RAWALPINDI:
A prolonged internet outage at the Domicile Issuance Department of the District Courts complex in Rawalpindi has left thousands of students, job seekers and members of the public facing dire straits with no new domiciles reportedly being issued for the past one month.
Sources said the branch’s internet and biometric verification system has remained non-functional for several weeks, creating significant hurdles for students seeking admission in colleges and universities, as well as unemployed people seeking jobs that require domicile certificates as part of the recruitment process.
Officials at the branch revealed that severe financial constraints have prevented timely repair of damaged internet cables and associated infrastructure. As a result, dozens of applicants visit the office every day with completed documentation, only to return home disappointed after being told that their applications cannot be processed.
The situation has particularly affected female students and their families, many of whom have made repeated visits to the office in the hope of obtaining the necessary certificates before the admission deadlines expire.
According to the department 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 prompt intervention.
They explained that the biometric verification system, which is mandatory for issuing domiciles, cannot work without an active internet connection.
“Not a single new domicile has been issued during the last one month because the biometric system is completely dependent on internet connectivity,” said an official. “Thousands of applications are still pending and awaiting restoration of service.”
Meanwhile, officials in the DC’s office maintained that the process of repairing and restoring internet cables, Wi-Fi networks and associated systems is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the coming week.
Qaisra Begum, who is among those 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 operation of the internet system, why was the biometric system introduced without adequate security measures?” she asked.
Another applicant, Naveeda Hashmi, echoed similar concerns and urged authorities to take immediate measures to facilitate students whose academic future may be affected by administrative delays.
