Millions of jobs on the line as internet crisis devastates Pakistan
IT experts and the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) have issued a stark warning over the persistent internet slowdowns plaguing Pakistan, cautioning that these disruptions pose a severe threat to the country’s burgeoning digital economy. The ongoing connectivity issues have already resulted in significant daily losses for freelancers, IT companies, small businesses, and ordinary citizens.
The impact of the sluggish internet is being felt across various segments of society. Housewives from lower-income households, who rely on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to sell home-cooked meals, are struggling to maintain their businesses. Students face difficulties exchanging and downloading academic materials via WhatsApp, while journalists working from home under COVID-19 restrictions are racing against the clock to meet deadlines.
Even routine communication through voice notes has become challenging, affecting not just individuals but also community committees that update residents on essential services like water, electricity, and gas. Additionally, content creators on TikTok and online educators are facing serious disruptions in their work.
Parvez Iftikhar, a leading expert in the IT and telecom sectors, emphasized that the reliance on mobile internet extends to many professions beyond traditional office roles. Tradespeople such as plumbers, carpenters, and small contractors, who depend on WhatsApp for work-related communication, are also struggling.
Similarly, gig economy workers, including drivers for inDrive and Careem, delivery riders for Bykea and Foodpanda, and small business owners operating on e-commerce platforms, are facing significant challenges due to the unstable internet connection.
PAFLA has called for immediate government intervention to resolve the internet issues. The association, which represents a large community of freelancers nationwide, is urging authorities to restore full internet services to protect the digital economy.
Tufail Ahmed Khan, President and CEO of PAFLA, pointed out that freelancers have been grappling with these disruptions for over three weeks, severely affecting their ability to meet project deadlines, attract new clients, and secure future business.
“Pakistan is the fourth-largest freelancing market globally, with over 2.3 million freelancers,” Khan stated. “If these issues persist, our standing on online freelancing platforms could be downgraded, which would severely damage the industry.”
According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, freelancers contributed $350 million to the economy in the fiscal year 2023-24, reflecting a 40% increase from the previous year. “This growth underscores the vital role of the freelancing sector in our economy,” Khan noted.
PAFLA Co-Founder and Chairman Ibrahim Amin highlighted that many freelancers have painstakingly built their livelihoods after facing challenges in finding traditional jobs. However, the current internet disruptions are putting their hard-earned stability at risk.
Amin also mentioned that PAFLA regularly organizes seminars in collaboration with universities and educational institutions to support freelancers, drawing large and motivated audiences. Unfortunately, the ongoing internet issues have cast a shadow over these initiatives, leading to widespread frustration among freelancers.
Amin appealed to the authorities to urgently address the issue. “A stable and secure internet connection is crucial for freelancers to continue their work and support their families.
The current situation not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of Pakistani freelancers but also threatens the broader digital economy,” he warned.
