Recent disclosures have underscored the substantial damage inflicted on Pakistan’s information technology industry due to prolonged slow internet services nationwide.
During a press conference held at the Lahore Press Club, representatives from the IT sector reported that the sluggish internet services experienced over the past two weeks have resulted in financial losses estimated between $300 to $500 million.
Freelancer Saqib Azhar, addressing the press, highlighted that nearly 1.8 million individuals in Pakistan engage in e-business. He emphasized the urgent need for governmental intervention, citing over $5 million in losses, particularly devastating businesses operating in artificial intelligence (AI).
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Azhar vehemently criticized the government’s handling of the situation, demanding immediate resolution of all internet-related issues and calling for the inclusion of stakeholders in devising a clear policy. He noted that around 30,000 IT companies in Pakistan, many of which train freelancers, have had to cease operations due to the internet outage.
An IT expert, Kanwal Cheema, pointed out the broader repercussions of unreliable internet services, noting the loss of trust from global companies and eroding confidence in Pakistani freelancers. “The internet is essential not just for entertainment but as a lifeline for millions. Once a prime destination for freelancers, Pakistan is now seeing a decline in global trust,” Cheema explained.
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Muddasir Malik, an IT expert who trains freelancers, noted that slow internet speeds have delayed order completions, eroding the trust of international clients. He also highlighted the uncertainty caused by unclear policies on firewall implementation, urging government agencies to adopt a transparent approach.
In response to a journalist’s question, Azhar emphasized that the government should not implement significant changes to firewall settings without prior announcements. “The government must clearly articulate its policies, explain the national security issues it addresses, and outline a timeline for resolving these problems. Millions of freelancers rely on a dependable internet connection to support their livelihoods, and they have the right to understand the problems and when they will be fixed,” Azhar concluded.
