The recent internet disruptions in Karachi have raised concerns among online businesses and freelancers, who fear massive economic losses if the issues are not resolved promptly. The lack of clarity from officials on the matter has left many in the industry feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and Pakistan Freelancers Association (Pafla) have called on the government to address the issues of slow internet and provide more transparency on the situation. P@SHA Senior Vice Chairman Ali Ihsan expressed disappointment over the government’s lack of communication, stating that the industry has been left out of important discussions that could impact their operations.
According to Mr. Ihsan, the internet disruptions have already resulted in an estimated $300 million loss for Pakistani firms, along with reputational damage. This loss could have a significant impact on the country’s economy and its standing in the global market.
On the other hand, Pafla President and CEO Tufail Ahmed Khan emphasized the importance of restoring full connectivity for freelancers. He highlighted the challenges faced by freelancers due to slow internet speeds and frequent disruptions, which have hindered their ability to meet project deadlines and secure new clients. Mr. Ahmed warned that if these issues persist, Pakistan’s freelancing industry could suffer a downgrade in its global standing.
The impact of the internet disruptions is already being felt in the IT sector, with a report showing a 4% decrease in IT exports in July 2024 compared to the previous month. However, on a year-on-year basis, IT exports have increased by 34%. Despite the temporary setback in July, the overall trend in IT exports remains positive, with the industry showing resilience and growth.
Nasheed Malik of Topline Research highlighted that the net IT exports in July 2024 were $252 million, representing a 33% increase year-on-year. This growth demonstrates the potential of the IT sector in Pakistan and the importance of addressing the issues that are currently affecting its performance.
In conclusion, the internet disruptions in Karachi have highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the government and the IT industry to ensure a stable and reliable internet infrastructure. By addressing these issues promptly and transparently, Pakistan can continue to grow its IT sector and maintain its position as a key player in the global market.