Internet woes dent nation’s IT ambitions

Users across Pakistan are experiencing widespread internet disruptions, delays in WhatsApp messages, inability to upload files and photos, and problems sending voice notes, adding to communication challenges. This disruption is not only causing inconvenience to the daily users but also facing it. A severe blow to the Information Technology (IT) export sector and the overall digital economy. Freelancers and businesses that rely on stable connectivity are particularly affected. Pakistan’s 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan (2024-29) – Exports, e-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity and Empowerment – ​​targets an increase of $60 billion. in IT exports and aims to promote a strong digital However, experts emphasize that to achieve these goalsThere is a need to remove social media barriers and improve internet infrastructure to support the country’s growing IT sector. However, several ICT experts and analysts suggested that these disruptions were often not conducive to business. ICT analyst Waqas Ghani said, “Global platforms are crippling Pakistani service providers, and Businesses are increasingly moving away from hiring them.” He added, “This is not just a loss of current income, but a loss of future opportunities. This will directly hamper our ambitious goals to increase IT exports.” According to Kapil Kumar, an ICT expert and startup consultant, the recent Internet disruption in Pakistan has affected the fragility of our digital infrastructure and our daily lives. Uncovering its profound effects, Kumar points out that the current disruptions have particularly affected freelancers”From students struggling with online classes to businesses facing business challenges, the consequences are far-reaching. A key driver of our economy, the IT export sector is also feeling the pressure. . As connectivity issues hinder productivity and international cooperation.” He warns that the IT sector, which has been a significant foreign exchange earner for Pakistan, could see a decline in production and revenue.