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The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is facing severe criticism after allegedly cutting telecom and internet cables across several areas of Lahore without prior notice or authorization. The move has disrupted internet services, crippling connectivity and essential digital operations for thousands of users in the city.
Telecom operators reported that these cable cuts were detected in key localities, including Garden Town, Johar Town, Gulberg, Cavalry Ground, and Walton Road. The sudden disconnections have disrupted both corporate and household services, affecting banks, offices, online businesses, and startups that rely on stable internet access. Many companies have suffered financial losses due to prolonged service outages.
Industry sources say LESCO’s actions are linked to a dispute over Right of Way (RoW) charges. The company has allegedly imposed a 400% increase in pole usage fees for telecom and internet cables. Telecom operators have rejected the new rates, calling them “unjustified” and inconsistent with the Government of Pakistan’s RoW Policy 2020.
Reports also suggest that LESCO is pressuring operators, including PTCL and NTC, to sign its own undertaking letters that contradict the federal policy and the Digital Pakistan vision.
In response, the Pakistan Telecommunication Access Providers Association (PTAPA) has raised strong objections. The association sent a formal complaint to LESCO’s CEO, the PTA chairman, the Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, and the PTA Zonal Director. PTAPA urged authorities to stop the disconnection of telecom infrastructure and to engage with licensed operators for coordinated resolution.
The association stressed that uninterrupted telecom and digital services are vital for Pakistan’s digital growth. PTAPA’s letter reminded LESCO that its actions violate the Government’s Right of Way Policy 2020, which allows free RoW for IT and telecom infrastructure.
The policy, already implemented by CDA, Pakistan Railways, and NHA, supports the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan initiative and aims to expand national connectivity.
Telecom experts warned that continued disruptions could lead to long-term setbacks in Lahore’s digital infrastructure. They emphasized that cooperation between the utility and telecom authorities is essential to ensure reliable internet access and support Pakistan’s digital transformation goals.
