Internet outage halts domicile services

A prolonged internet outage at the domicile issuance branch located within the District Courts complex in Rawalpindi has left thousands of students, job seekers and members of the public facing serious difficulties, with no new domiciles reportedly issued during the past month.

Sources said the branch's internet and biometric verification system has remained non-functional for several weeks, creating significant obstacles for students seeking admission to colleges and universities, as well as unemployed individuals applying for jobs that require domicile certificates as part of the recruitment process.

Officials at the branch disclosed that severe financial constraints have prevented the timely repair of damaged internet cables and related infrastructure. As a result, dozens of applicants reportedly visit the office each day carrying completed documentation, only to return home disappointed after learning that their applications cannot be processed.

The situation has particularly affected female students and their families, many of whom have been making repeated visits to the office in the hope of obtaining the required certificates before admission deadlines expire.

According to branch officials, the Wi-Fi and internet cable network had suffered technical damage and that a written report had already been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner's Office requesting urgent intervention.

They explained that the biometric verification system, which is mandatory for the issuance of domiciles, cannot function without an active internet connection.

"Not a single new domicile has been issued during the past month because the biometric system is entirely dependent upon internet connectivity," an official said. "Thousands of applications remain pending, awaiting restoration of the service."

Meanwhile, officials at the DC's Office maintained that the process of repairing and restoring the internet cables, Wi-Fi network and associated systems is in progress and is expected to be completed during the coming week.

Qaisra Begum, who is among the affected, says she has been visiting the branch with her three daughters since before Eidul Azha, but her daughters' university admission procedures could not be completed without domicile certificates.

"When the authorities cannot ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the internet system, why was the biometric system introduced without adequate safeguards?" she questioned.

Another applicant, Naveeda Hashmi, echoed similar concerns, urging the authorities to take immediate measures to facilitate students whose academic futures may be affected by administrative delays.