The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has cautioned the government of Pakistan that restrictions on internet services can have a knock-on effect on credit and investment plans, ultimately damaging the country’s reputation.
Powers to restrict services should be exercised carefully solely in exceptional and pre-defined circumstances, and only if absolutely necessary and proportionate to achieve a specified and legitimate aim that is consistent with relevant laws, internationally recognised human rights conventions and the ITU constitution, it said.
In a letter written to Minister of IT and Telecom Syed Aminul Haque, GSMA Head of Asia-Pacific Julian Gorman raised serious concern over the restriction of connectivity and internet services in Pakistan.
GSMA, which represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, was concerned about the impact that the current restrictions were having on citizens and businesses in Pakistan, GSMA said, adding that in today’s digital societies, individuals and businesses relied on connectivity for their livelihoods and access to essential services and information.
It said that prolonged restrictions could have far-reaching effects on citizens’ health, education, social and economic welfare.
The GSMA urged the government to restore access and it stood ready to engage constructively, wherever support required, to improve the process and ensure business continuity, Gorman added.
Freelancers and owners of e-commerce websites operating in Pakistan have faced a huge loss as they have not been able to connect to their clients due to internet connectivity issues.
Leading digital marketer Tanveer Nandla voiced concern over the suspension of internet services and requested the government to immediately lift the restrictions.
He said that prolonged internet disconnection would result in bad reputation for the freelancers working in Pakistan.
“Pakistani freelancers and digital marketers had built trust in the international market and were bringing billions of dollars into market. The distrust may result in losing the freelancing market,” he feared.
The nationwide suspension of mobile broadband has caused an estimated revenue loss of Rs820 million while the government has lost around Rs287 million in tax revenue.
In a tweet, Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim said that shutting down the internet “is not a solution to anything. It creates more problems than it solves.” He stressed that the devastating effect on the economy was quantifiable but the inconvenience to people was incalculable.
Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Chairman Muhammad Zohaib Khan said, “Internet is our lifeline, our office, our communications infrastructure and the IT industry can’t operate without it. IT & ITeS services are already under a lot of pressure on account of stagnation and experiencing a probable decline in the exports of IT services due to the bad governmental policies; and, now the political turmoil has completely stopped the IT industry’s operations.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2023.
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