Islamabad, 15 August 2024 (TDI): Major lags in internet connectivity are being reported by Pakistani ISPs, who attribute the outage to heightened government monitoring for security purposes.
These policies, according to the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), have inadvertently damaged the country’s digital economy.
WISPAP reports that in the last few weeks, internet speeds have decreased by 30 to 40%, which has an effect on people and organizations that depend on dependable connectivity. Contact centers, e-commerce, and online companies are among the most impacted industries; many are thinking of moving their operations to nations with reliable internet access.
WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad voiced his worries about the worsening circumstances. He stated, “The unsustainable service quality of smaller ISPs is causing our clients to depart them more frequently. If the unrest doesn’t stop, there can be a big corporate outflow from Pakistan.”
The present circumstances pose a threat to economic stability and have damaged Pakistan’s standing as a center for digital entrepreneurship. International firms and freelancers who depend on safe, uninterrupted internet have been disproportionately impacted by enhanced surveillance efforts, which include bans on VPN usage.
Leaders in the industry caution against a possible relocation of operations overseas as companies find it difficult to compete on a global scale with the limitations placed on the internet today. One well-known Karachi-based e-commerce entrepreneur said, “The lack of fast and secure internet is pushing us to the brink.”
Also read: Instagram And WhatsApp Users Face Outages Across Pakistan
The ongoing delay has led to calls for a balanced strategy that protects both national security concerns and the requirements of the digital economy, despite official assurances that security is a top priority.
Despite official claims that security is a major priority, the prolonged delay has prompted calls for a balanced strategy that safeguards both national security concerns and the demands of the digital economy.
