Internet disruption threatens digital economy in Pakistan, Details inside

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s digital economy is under severe threat as internet service providers cite the government’s enhanced surveillance measures for a drastic slowdown in internet speeds.

This disruption has prompted digital businesses to consider relocating from the country. The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) has warned that intensified security and monitoring efforts have adversely affected the nation’s digital infrastructure.

The association reported a 30 to 40 percent drop in internet speeds over the past few weeks, creating difficulties for businesses and individuals reliant on stable connectivity.

This slowdown has particularly impacted call centers, e-commerce professionals, freelancers, and electronic commerce businesses, which are vital to Pakistan’s digital sector.

Moreover, WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad expressed grave concern, noting that smaller ISPs are losing clients due to deteriorating service quality, and a continued decline could lead to a mass exit of businesses from Pakistan.

Industry leaders share Arshad’s worries, highlighting the damage to Pakistan’s reputation as a digital hub and the potential threat to its economic stability.

Additionally, an e-commerce entrepreneur from Karachi revealed to Dawn that businesses are considering moving abroad due to the unreliable internet, which hampers their global competitiveness.

As frustration mounts among the business community, there seems to be no resolution in sight. The ongoing slowdown is affecting major online platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, with users experiencing significant service interruptions.

Some speculate that these disruptions may be due to a government-installed firewall intended for monitoring, although the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied this.

Earlier, the National Assembly summoned the PTA chairman over the nationwide internet disruption, where the PTA head explained that this issue would be resolved in the upcoming days he also explained that the installation of a firewall can also be one of the reasons for such disruption.