Chain store retailers denounce internet outages

Owners and operators of retail store chains have voiced concern over recent internet disruptions, primarily affecting mobile internet and WhatsApp, saying they will have a significant impact on export-oriented and domestic commercial activities across the country.

In a statement, Chainstores Association of Pakistan Chairman Tariq Mehboob, along with Co-founder and National E-Commerce Council member Asfandyar Farrukh, highlighted the far-reaching consequences of interruptions in internet services and sought a permanent resolution of the problem.

Pakistani businesses are already grappling with multiple challenges including high taxes, soaring electricity costs and increasing liquidity shortages. Amidst these difficulties, inconsistent and unreliable internet services are putting up additional hurdles, denting revenue streams and impacting service quality.

“Internet disruptions not only impact large-scale businesses but also the individuals running small enterprises, who rely on stable online connections to sustain their livelihoods,” Mehboob remarked.

“When the internet slows down, businesses experience major disruptions in daily operations. Key functions such as communication, order processing, inventory management and customer services are all hindered.”

He pointed out that small businesses were particularly vulnerable as they often depended entirely on mobile internet and WhatsApp to attract and serve customers.

“Although the situation appears to have improved after several days of disruptions, repetitive outages can lead to lower credibility and loss of customers,” he cautioned.

Echoing similar concerns, Association Co-founder Asfandyar Farrukh underscored the economic impact of frequent interruptions in internet connectivity.

“It has been reported that there has been much higher use of VPNs by individuals and businesses due to which internet slowdowns are occurring. However, VPNs will not be needed if local disruptions to WhatsApp and other digital services are addressed in the first place,” he elaborated.

Repetitive internet slowdowns are causing substantial financial losses in both IT and e-commerce sectors. With over $3.2 billion in annual IT and freelancing exports, and a $5 billion domestic e-commerce ecosystem at stake, he described the situation as critical. Freelancers, remote workers, ride-hailing services and delivery riders, who rely on stable mobile internet connections, have been especially hit hard, facing missed deadlines, service delays and the loss of income.