KARACHI:
This concerns the growing internet disruptions in the country and their detrimental impact on the economy. With a tanking economy and increasing socio-political divides, these disruptions have inflamed frustration among the youth and economic stakeholders in the nation. Pakistan is the 4th fastest-growing freelancing market globally, contributing $500 million to the total business in 2023. With around 3 million freelancers, digital platforms are crucial for a quarter of our population’s livelihood.
Even brief internet outages can have severe consequences in today’s digital world, particularly for startups, e-commerce and businesses that rely on online platforms. According to the Pakistan Software House Authority, these disruptions could lead to $300 million in losses. The effects extend beyond the tech industry, disrupting daily life and undermining confidence in Pakistan’s economic stability, deterring local and foreign investors.
The government must recognise the severity of this issue and ensure stable, uninterrupted internet access nationwide. These disruptions hinder our progress in the global digital economy and must be addressed urgently.
Muhammad Ismail Qaddus
Islamabad
