KARACHI:
It has come to light that around 2.5 million freelancers are at risk of unemployment due to persistent internet issues. The Internet Service Providers Association has warned that many businesses are considering relocating their operations abroad due to increasingly unreliable internet service. This potential exodus should alarm everyone, especially given the dire consequences for our already fragile economy.
Shehzad Arshad, the Chairman of the Internet Service Providers Association, recently revealed that businesses have been demanding explanations for the sluggish internet speeds, but even PTA has failed to provide a satisfactory response. The lack of transparency and accountability from the authorities is deeply concerning and points to significant governance failure. The government’s silence on this issue is deafening. Slow internet is not just a technical glitch. It threatens our business community and, by extension, our entire nation. Social media platforms are flooded with angry posts from users who are frustrated. One LinkedIn user lamented, “I’ve spent 14,400 minutes trying to download files, and I’m still unable to complete them.” Another user highlighted the broader implications: “Each delayed project and missed message tarnishes our global reputation.” These frustrations reflect a growing sentiment among the digital workforce and business owners who feel abandoned by those responsible for maintaining the country’s digital infrastructure. How can people move forward when they can’t even access the basic tools they need to work efficiently?
This situation demands immediate attention from the government. Lack of action is damaging the very fabric of our economy. I urge the authorities to take this matter seriously and implement swift measures to restore and improve internet services nationwide.
Bisma Rafique
Karachi
