P@SHA criticizes govt lack of transparency and consultation on persistent internet issues as millions across Pakistan endure ongoing internet disruptions, which severely impact communications and businesses.
P@SHA Senior Vice Chairman Ali Ihsan said “We want to work with the government. What prompted them to exclude us from discussions?”
These disruptions, linked by experts to heightened security measures and the installation of an internet firewall, have led to slow internet speeds and restricted access. The firewall, designed to block undesirable content, inspects information from various IP addresses and filters keywords deemed harmful to national security. Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) are being monitored under this system. Additionally, the government is preparing to regulate the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), potentially mandating users to inform the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about their VPN usage.
Despite the government denying responsibility for the internet slowdown, attributing the issue to VPN usage, Ali Ihsan questioned the exclusion of P@SHA from policy discussions. He recalled that previous collaborations with PTA on VPN regulations had ensured that businesses were not adversely affected.
P@SHA estimates a $300 million loss due to the ongoing internet disruptions, with businesses facing reputational damage and declining client trust. Ali Ihsan highlighted that leading IT companies reported a 40% decline in their BPO services, while a major healthcare company experienced significant losses due to extended downtime.
The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) also voiced concerns, revealing that 2.3 million freelancers have struggled to meet deadlines, risking a downgrade in Pakistan’s global freelancing reputation. PAFLA CEO Tufail Ahmed Khan warned that the internet disruptions are not only affecting freelancers but are also damaging the broader economy.
Both P@SHA and PAFLA urged the government to address the internet issues promptly, emphasizing the critical impact on Pakistan’s IT sector and overall economy.
