Hajra Naz
A significant slowdown in internet services is being experienced in Pakistan, leading to a dramatic decline in work opportunities for freelancers. Reports indicate that a 70% reduction in job availability has been noted, attributed to sluggish internet speeds. Consequences of this disruption include missed deadlines, account suspensions, and interruptions in digital marketing efforts.
Concerns have been raised by experts regarding the potential migration of freelance clients to countries like India or Bangladesh, where internet reliability is perceived to be higher. Alongside this, the IT sector in Pakistan is being affected to the tune of over $1 million in losses each hour, primarily due to the extensive outages. It’s reported that 99% of firms are facing operational challenges impacting business continuity.
Read More: PTA Enables VPN Registration for Freelancers Using Phone Numbers
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has urged the government to support the struggling industry by addressing its challenges. They recommend tax cuts to help businesses recover from the effects of poor internet connectivity. Implementing such initiatives might not only draw in new investments but also boost remittances, ultimately helping to stabilize the sector and strengthen the country’s competitive position on the world stage.
The ripple effects of the internet slowdown are being felt far beyond just freelancers; the entire IT and digital economy of Pakistan is being jeopardized. Urgent steps are required to enhance internet connectivity, ensuring that both businesses and workers can prosper in this digital era.
