Pakistan’s digital economy is under severe strain as internet service providers cite the government’s ramped-up surveillance as the cause of a dramatic slowdown in internet speeds. Digital businesses are considering relocating if the situation does not improve.
The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) has warned that the government’s intensified security measures are unintentionally disrupting the country’s digital infrastructure.
There is speculation that the disruptions might be due to a new government firewall intended to monitor online activity. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied that a firewall is responsible for the issues.
According to WISPAP, “Over the past few weeks, internet speeds have dropped by 30 to 40 percent, leading to a chaotic environment for businesses and individuals dependent on fast, reliable connectivity.”
This degradation in service quality has hit call centers, e-commerce professionals, freelancers, and electronic commerce businesses especially hard. WISPAP has cautioned that the ongoing slowdown threatens the survival of these critical sectors.
WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad expressed his concern: “The situation is becoming increasingly untenable for our customers. Smaller ISPs are losing clients who can no longer tolerate the poor service quality. If this trend continues, we could witness a mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan.”
Industry leaders share Arshad’s apprehension, warning that the deteriorating conditions are harming Pakistan’s reputation as a digital hub and jeopardizing economic stability.
An e-commerce entrepreneur from Karachi told Dawn, “Businesses are contemplating moving their operations abroad because the internet has become unreliable. Without fast and secure access, we cannot compete globally, and this is pushing us to the brink.”
As frustration mounts, there is no apparent end to the government’s measures, heightening concerns about the future of Pakistan’s digital sector. Both businesses and consumers are feeling the strain of the slowdown.
While the government insists on its commitment to security, the impact on the nation’s digital economy is increasingly questioned. Major platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp are experiencing massive slowdowns, with users struggling to access messaging and social media services.
