Internet Outage Halts Domicile Certificate Issuance in Rawalpindi
An ongoing internet outage at the District Courts domicile branch in Rawalpindi has resulted in the suspension of domicile certificate issuance for over a month, leaving thousands of students and job applicants stranded.
The outage has rendered the branch’s biometric verification system inoperative, a crucial component required for processing domicile certificates. The system’s dependency on active internet connectivity means no certificates can currently be issued. This has disrupted admissions processes for students and job applications that mandate domicile certificates as essential documentation.
According to branch officials, the internet failure stems from damaged cables and infrastructure, with financial constraints delaying timely repairs. Daily, dozens of applicants visit the office only to return without their certificates.
A formal report has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office seeking urgent intervention to restore the internet connectivity and biometric system. Officials at the DC’s Office have confirmed that restoration work on internet cables, Wi-Fi networks, and related systems is underway and expected to be completed within the forthcoming week.
Female students and their families have been disproportionately affected, as university admission deadlines approach. One affected applicant, Qaisra Begum, described how she and her three daughters have repeatedly visited the branch since before Eidul Azha, but their admissions remain incomplete due to the certificate delays.
Calls for improved safeguards accompanied the criticism of the current biometric verification system, highlighting concerns over its reliance on uninterrupted internet service. Applicant Naveeda Hashmi urged authorities to expedite repairs and minimize the academic and professional impact on affected individuals.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by government services that integrate biometric verification systems dependent on stable internet connectivity, particularly in areas where infrastructure vulnerabilities and budget constraints persist.
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