Pakistan’s IT Sector Calls for Immediate Action on Internet Disruptions
Pakistan’s IT sector calls for immediate government action to accelerate the rollout of 5G services and address persistent Internet connectivity disruptions. Industry leaders warn that the current situation of slow Internet speeds and frequent disruptions is causing severe economic damage and hindering progress in the digital economy.
A recent report by global Internet monitor Top10VPN.com highlighted the gravity of the issue. In 2024, Pakistan faced the highest economic losses globally due to Internet outages, with damages amounting to $1.62 billion. These losses surpassed those of conflict-stricken nations like Sudan and Myanmar. The report noted that Pakistan endured 9,735 hours of Internet disruptions, affecting 82.9 million users. These interruptions were often linked to political events such as protests and elections.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has been vocal about the adverse impact on the IT sector. P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed revealed that the country loses over $1 million per hour during Internet shutdowns. He emphasized the need for swift action, advocating for the 5G spectrum auction scheduled for March 2025. Syed also stressed the importance of upgrading infrastructure, including the fiber-opticization of cell towers and the deployment of additional undersea cables to enhance connectivity.
Pakistan’s IT Sector Calls for Immediate Action on Internet Disruptions
Despite challenges, Pakistan’s IT sector has demonstrated growth, with IT exports reaching $3.2 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year. However, Syed cautioned that frequent disruptions could jeopardize the government’s ambitious target of $15 billion in IT exports for the current fiscal year.
Freelancers, a vital part of Pakistan’s digital economy, are particularly affected by connectivity issues. According to Tufail Ahmed Khan, President of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), over 2.37 million freelancers are struggling with slow Internet speeds, which impact their ability to secure international clients. Khan praised the National Fiberization Policy, introduced in November 2024, for its potential to improve broadband access. However, he called for more Internet-friendly policies to boost foreign remittances and reduce dependency on government employment programs.
Zohaib Khan, a former P@SHA chairman, expressed concerns about Pakistan’s international reputation. He noted that reports of Internet shutdowns tarnish the country’s image globally, discouraging foreign investments and partnerships. To mitigate the impact of outages, he suggested freelancers utilize co-working spaces equipped with stable Internet connections.
Efforts to improve connectivity are underway. The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) recently provided temporary bandwidth to address disruptions caused by a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, a critical link for Pakistan’s Internet infrastructure. Furthermore, Pakistan is set to join the 2Africa submarine cable system, which promises high-speed connectivity with a capacity of up to 180 Tbps.
See Also: The Reality of 5G Readiness in Pakistan
Additionally, the government is exploring satellite Internet options through discussions with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Such measures aim to bridge the digital divide and enhance access to reliable Internet nationwide.
The IT community agrees that immediate and decisive action is essential. Accelerating the 5G rollout, upgrading Internet infrastructure, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment are key steps to combat economic losses and position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Our Thoughts:
The expert demand for a 5G rollout in Pakistan is a promising step toward addressing the country’s persistent Internet disruptions. By introducing 5G technology, Pakistan can significantly enhance network reliability, reduce latency, and simultaneously support a higher volume of users. Unlike older technologies, 5G offers greater resilience against outages, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even during peak usage or in the face of technical challenges. This is especially critical in a country like Pakistan, where frequent Internet disruptions have not only hampered economic activities but also tarnished the global reputation of its IT sector. However, there is also a need for regulatory reforms and robust maintenance protocols, to maximize the impact of 5G deployment.
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