Pakistan has reported an alarming $1.62 billion loss due to internet disruptions, leading IT experts to urge for urgent action to implement 5G services and enhance connectivity. With extensive outages primarily caused by political events, the report indicates a significant impact on millions of users and highlights the detrimental effects on the IT sector, particularly for freelancers. Industry leaders warn that unless addressed, these challenges may hinder future growth and economic ambitions.
Pakistan is grappling with substantial economic ramifications stemming from widespread internet disruptions, prompting IT associations and industry experts to urge the government to accelerate the deployment of 5G services and resolve issues of slow internet connectivity. The latest report by Top10VPN.com indicates that the nation experienced the most significant financial losses globally in 2024 from internet outages, amounting to $1.62 billion, surpassing losses incurred by war-torn countries such as Sudan and Myanmar.
The report, published on January 2, revealed that Pakistan endured approximately 9,735 hours of internet downtime, impacting over 82 million users. The disruptions were largely linked to political events, including elections and protests, with social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), bearing the brunt of these outages due to extended restrictions. This scenario highlights a continuous trend of internet censorship strategies enforced by governments, ranging from complete blackouts to throttled internet speeds that hinder essential communications during crises.
Asia was identified as the most adversely affected region by internet restrictions in 2024, with Pakistan, alongside Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, among the six countries facing the highest levels of disruption. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has warned that the IT industry could witness annual losses nearing $150 million due to sluggish internet speeds and VPN barriers. P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed remarked on the severe economic impact, stating that Pakistan incurs losses exceeding one million dollars per hour attributable to internet shutdowns.
Mr. Syed called for immediate government action to expedite 5G implementation, criticizing the delay of the spectrum auction set for March 2025 and advocating for the enhancement of internet infrastructure through fiber-optic technology and the installation of new undersea cables. While the IT sector recorded impressive growth, with exports reaching $3.2 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, Mr. Syed cautioned that ongoing disruptions could threaten the government’s ambitious target of $15 billion in future IT exports.
Additionally, Tufail Ahmed Khan, the President of the Pakistan Freelancers Association, emphasized the negative repercussions that slow internet has on the nation’s 2.37 million freelancers. He acknowledged the continual growth in IT exports, yet noted that outcomes could have been substantially improved without internet service disruptions. Mr. Khan praised the initiation of the National Fiberization Policy in November 2024, aimed at enhancing broadband access and internet speed, and urged more supportive internet policies to help freelancers attract foreign remittances and reduce dependence on governmental employment avenues.
As Pakistan faces considerable pressure to enhance its digital infrastructure, industry calls for modernization are urgent to sustain economic growth and bolster the global competitiveness of its IT sector.
In recent years, internet connectivity has emerged as a critical component in fostering economic development and facilitating business operations globally. With the advent of the digital era, countries are increasingly recognizing the importance of robust internet infrastructure not only in urban centers but also in rural areas. In Pakistan, challenges such as slow internet speeds, frequent outages, and government-imposed restrictions have hindered the growth potential of various sectors, particularly the technology and freelancing industries. The call to accelerate the rollout of 5G services highlights a significant push towards modernization in response to these challenges, reflecting the urgent need for a strategy that addresses both infrastructural upgrades and policy reforms to support economic advancement and enhance the country’s global IT standing.
The alarming findings of the recent Top10VPN.com report underscore an urgent necessity for Pakistan to modernize its digital infrastructure. With the nation facing staggering economic losses due to internet disruptions, industry experts advocate for swift government action to implement 5G technology and improve connectivity. It is paramount for Pakistan to enhance its internet services to support its growing IT sector and leverage opportunities for international engagement, thus securing economic stability and competitiveness.
Original Source: profit.pakistantoday.com.pk
