Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and online businesses are voicing serious concerns over the ongoing internet disruptions across Pakistan and have warned of substantial economic losses if the issue is not resolved promptly.
Muhammad Shahzaib Shah, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Entrepreneurship in the Youth Parliament Sindh Shadow Cabinet, has called on the government to provide clarity and transparency regarding the internet connectivity problems that have plagued the country for several weeks.
“The lack of consistent internet service has caused significant disruptions to businesses, startups, and freelancers, impacting millions of livelihoods and tarnishing Pakistan’s reputation said Shahzaib Shah. “We need urgent intervention from the authorities to restore stable internet connectivity and prevent further economic damage.”
Digital Economy at Risk:
Pakistan’s digital economy, particularly its freelancer community — the fourth largest in the world, comprising over 2.3 million freelancers — has been severely impacted by slow internet speeds and frequent service interruptions. According to Shahzaib, these disruptions have resulted in lost business opportunities, missed project deadlines, and a decline in client trust, which could ultimately downgrade Pakistan’s standing on major freelancing platforms.
“This is not just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a serious blow to Pakistan’s economic potential,” Shahzaib added. “If the situation persists, we risk losing our competitive edge in the global digital market.”
Call for Government Action:
The Youth Parliament Sindh Shadow Cabinet has urged the government to engage with all stakeholders, including industry representatives, and take immediate steps to resolve the connectivity issues. Shahzaib stressed the need for the government to work closely with organizations like the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) to ensure full internet connectivity is restored without further delays.
“The government must take the industry into confidence and address these concerns transparently,” said Shahzaib. “We cannot afford to let such critical issues go unresolved when they directly impact our economy and global reputation.”
Impact on IT Exports:
Recent data shows a decline in Pakistan’s IT exports, which fell by over four percent in July 2024 compared to the previous month. Analysts attribute this dip, in part, to the ongoing internet disruptions. The situation is particularly concerning given that, on a year-on-year basis, IT exports have shown a significant increase of 34 percent. However, without stable internet connectivity, sustaining this growth will be a considerable challenge.
Urgent Need for Resolution:
Shahzaib called for immediate corrective measures to be taken to restore full connectivity across Pakistan, emphasizing that further delays could result in even greater economic losses. The Standing Committee on Entrepreneurship remains committed to advocating for the community and ensuring that their concerns are addressed by the relevant authorities.