Internet access

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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) attributed the disruption of virtual private networks (VPNs) over the weekend to a "technical glitch". The disruption on Sunday prompted the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), an industry body representing IT and IT-enabled businesses, to intervene. Such disruptions were earlier limited to internet bandwidth, but it seems VPNs are the latest target. Amid ongoing restrictions on the social media site X (formerly Twitter) and intermittent access issues on various other platforms, a large number of citizens now rely on VPNs to access social media. Rather than provide the IT industry with incentives and access that can promote further growth in the sector, the authorities seem to have difficulty accepting that the country has entered the digital age.

According to a report from the Pakistan Software Export Board, the IT sector contributed over $2 billion in exports in 2023, a significant part of which comes from software development, IT consulting, and freelance services. Freelancers in Pakistan are among the most affected by VPN restrictions. Without reliable VPN access, these professionals find it increasingly difficult to communicate with clients, access critical resources, or submit deliverables. The impact also extends beyond just freelancers and startups. The wider economy, including the fast-growing e-commerce ecosystem, suffers when digital access is hindered, as foreign clients may look elsewhere for outsourcing and software development. Pakistan, which is considered a low-cost hub for IT services, could lose its competitive edge if these digital barriers persist. To foster a thriving digital economy, it is crucial for the government to reconsider its approach to internet censorship and find a balance between "national security" and the needs of Pakistan's digital workforce.