Internet users across Pakistan are grappling with severe access and speed issues as the country’s digital infrastructure faces unprecedented strain. The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) has attributed this disruption to heightened security and surveillance measures, which could have far-reaching economic consequences.
WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad expressed grave concerns on Thursday, stating, “It’s a very discouraging situation for our customers. Many are leaving the smaller ISPs because they cannot sustain the poor service quality anymore. If this continues, we will see a mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan.” He elaborated that internet speeds have plummeted by 30% to 40%, devastating businesses and individuals who rely on stable connectivity.
The ongoing internet slowdown is wreaking havoc on Pakistan’s digital economy, particularly in sectors dependent on online and electronic transactions. Arshad warned that these industries are now struggling to survive, with the slowdown threatening their very existence.
Despite the severe impact on millions of citizens, the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has remained silent. Users across the country, especially those relying on mobile data, continue to experience disrupted internet services.
The internet restrictions are not only infringing on citizens’ rights but are also inflicting financial losses on the national exchequer. E-commerce platforms, ride-hailing services, and other online businesses are bearing the brunt of restricted connectivity. Additionally, WhatsApp users in Pakistan have reported frustrating delays and failures in uploading and downloading content.
These disruptions are reportedly linked to the alleged testing of an internet firewall, designed to control social media by filtering out content deemed undesirable by the authorities. Farieha Aziz, co-founder of the digital rights organization Bolo Bhi, criticized the government for its lack of transparency and warned of the economic fallout from the internet slowdown. She highlighted a recent government admission about knowingly restricting the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after initially dismissing the issue as a technical glitch.
Aziz and other digital rights activists, including Nighat Dad, have voiced concerns about the government’s opaque approach. Dad emphasized that misinformation and fake news thrive in such environments, where the government fails to provide clear information, leaving citizens and businesses in the dark.
The economic impact is already evident, with several businesses losing clients and the global market viewing Pakistan as an increasingly unreliable digital hub. Aziz questioned the government’s expenditure on promoting IT parks and the ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative while the country’s freelancers face declining business opportunities due to poor internet conditions.
The activists also pointed out that the gig economy, heavily reliant on internet access, is particularly vulnerable. Dad’s sharp critique underscored the disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and the harsh reality on the ground. She stressed that without an open dialogue and clear communication, the future of Pakistan’s digital economy remains bleak.
The government’s internet firewall includes features to filter and block content that is considered harmful to national security. This system will also monitor information originating from different IP addresses and could potentially obstruct dissenting voices both inside and outside the country.
As preparations are underway to restrict the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), the government may soon require citizens to register their VPN usage with the PTA. Failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, further tightening the grip on internet freedom in Pakistan.
