In 2024, Pakistan faced the highest financial losses globally due to internet and social media shutdowns, with a staggering $1.62 billion impact. This blow came at a time when the country’s economy and IT sector were already under immense strain, making the losses even more devastating.
Internet disruptions in Pakistan aren’t new. They began in 2022 after the removal of Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote. However, 2024 saw a sharp escalation, with 18 deliberate internet blackouts recorded. These outages, often tied to elections, protests, and information control measures, lasted a combined 9,735 hours and affected nearly 82.9 million users.
Among the hardest-hit platforms was X (formerly Twitter), which faced persistent restrictions starting February 18, 2024.The economic toll of these shutdowns on X alone was estimated at $1.34 billion. Consequently, VPN usage skyrocketed, with reports indicating a jaw-dropping 6,000 percent increase as users sought ways to bypass restrictions.
the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) sounded the alarm,warning that each hour of internet downtime costs the IT sector $1 million. According to P@SHA, 99 percent of firms experienced service disruptions, and 90 percent reported financial losses. Telecom operators echoed these concerns, projecting annual losses of 12 billion rupees for the sector.
While 2024’s losses were unprecedented, the groundwork for this crisis was laid in 2023. That year, internet shutdowns cost Pakistan 65 billion rupees, placing it seventh on the global list of countries most affected by such disruptions. A three-day blackout in 2023 alone resulted in a 20.46 billion rupee ($130 million) loss for the telecom sector, $5.5 million in lost tax revenue,and a 10 billion rupee ($63.8 million) hit to the IT industry.
Beyond shutdowns, Pakistan’s internet infrastructure struggles with speed and reliability. The country ranks 100th out of 111 nations for mobile internet speed and 141st out of 158 for broadband, according to recent data. This dual challenge of outages and sluggish connectivity further compounds the economic and social impact.
As Pakistan grapples with these issues,the broader implications are clear: internet disruptions aren’t just a technical inconvenience—they’re a significant economic and social burden. With the IT and telecom sectors bearing the brunt, the need for stable, accessible internet has never been more urgent.
Pakistan’s Internet Struggles: Slow Speeds and Growing Restrictions
Table of Contents
- 1. Pakistan’s Internet Struggles: Slow Speeds and Growing Restrictions
- 2. Government Explanations and Persistent Issues
- 3. Internet Freedom Under Threat
- 4. Economic and Social Consequences
- 5. VPN ban and Religious Justifications
- 6. Looking Ahead
- 7. Economic Fallout and Global Repercussions
- 8. How are internet shutdowns in Pakistan impacting freelancers and their ability to meet deadlines and maintain client relationships?
- 9. Freelancers and Small Businesses Bear the Brunt
- 10. Students left in the Dark
- 11. A Growing Digital Divide
- 12. Calls for action
- 13. The Road Ahead
Pakistan’s internet landscape is facing significant challenges, with slow speeds and increasing government restrictions drawing widespread criticism. According to the Ookla Internet Speed Test report, the country ranks among the slowest globally for internet connectivity. This has left many users frustrated, with some comparing the experience to dial-up speeds from the 1990s.
as bilawal Bhutto, chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, aptly remarked, “Pakistan has 4G services, but the internet is working at a speed reminiscent of the internet from the 1990s.” This sentiment resonates with millions of Pakistanis who struggle with sluggish connections and frequent disruptions.
Government Explanations and Persistent Issues
Authorities have frequently enough provided questionable explanations for these disruptions. At times, they’ve blamed undersea cable repairs or global technical issues. In early 2024, the first major internet slowdown was attributed to undersea cable maintenance, a recurring excuse in recent years. Though, as weeks turned into months, it became clear that the problem was more systemic and deliberate.
As a notable example, the Islamabad High Court criticized the government for it’s handling of the situation, questioning why Pakistan’s internet infrastructure seemed perpetually plagued by such issues. This skepticism highlights a growing mistrust between citizens and policymakers regarding the transparency of internet governance.
Internet Freedom Under Threat
Pakistan’s digital freedom has also come under scrutiny. In its 2024 “Freedom on the Net” report,Freedom House classified Pakistan as “not free,” assigning it a score of 27 out of 100.This places the country alongside nations like China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, known for their stringent internet controls.
The decline in internet freedom began in earnest last year when the government struggled to manage anti-government content on social media platforms, particularly from supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. In response, authorities implemented a firewall and blocked Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), tools often used to bypass censorship.
These measures have had far-reaching consequences. Experts estimate that the firewall and related disruptions could cost Pakistan’s economy up to $300 million. Beyond the financial toll, there are concerns about the social impact. Restricted access to information and communication tools has stifled dissent and limited opportunities for digital innovation.
Despite widespread criticism, the government has defended its actions, citing the need for improved cybersecurity. As one official stated, “The firewall is essential to protect national interests and maintain digital security.” However, critics argue that these measures are more about controlling dissent than safeguarding the nation.
VPN ban and Religious Justifications
Adding to the controversy, the Council of Islamic ideology, a state body, declared the use of VPNs “un-Islamic.” this decree, outlined in a recent ruling, has further elaborate the debate over internet freedom. While the government claims the ban is necessary to curb illegal activities,many see it as an attempt to tighten control over online discourse.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s internet challenges are multifaceted, combining technical limitations with political and social tensions. As the country grapples with slow speeds and restrictive policies, the need for obvious governance and investment in digital infrastructure has never been more urgent. Without meaningful reforms,Pakistan risks falling further behind in the global digital economy,leaving its citizens disconnected and disenfranchised.
For now, the question remains: Will Pakistan’s leaders prioritize digital freedom and innovation, or will the internet continue to be a battleground for control and censorship?
In 2024, pakistan’s digital landscape faced unprecedented challenges as the government imposed sweeping restrictions on internet usage, sparking widespread criticism and concern. Among the most controversial moves was the decision to block Virtual Private networks (VPNs), a measure that drew sharp rebukes from digital rights advocates and the public alike.
The government justified the VPN ban by citing security concerns, with the Interior Ministry claiming that terrorists were using these tools to facilitate violent activities. Additionally,officials argued that VPNs enabled access to inappropriate content,framing the ban as a moral and security necessity.However, critics saw it as a thinly veiled attempt to stifle dissent, particularly as anti-government sentiment surged online, fueled by protests led by the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) party.
Adding to the controversy, Syed Sajid Mehdi, the parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Division, made a perplexing suggestion: “People should use the internet less and reserve it for crucial matters only.” This statement, widely perceived as dismissive of the public’s reliance on digital connectivity, underscored the growing disconnect between the ruling elite and ordinary citizens.
Nighat Dad, executive director of the Digital Rights Foundation, condemned the VPN ban, stating, “The decision to block VPNs contradicts the rights to privacy granted in the Constitution.” Her remarks highlighted the broader implications of the government’s actions, which many viewed as an assault on digital freedoms and constitutional rights.
Ironically, while ordinary citizens faced restricted access, reports emerged that Pakistan’s prime minister, IT minister, and other high-ranking officials continued to use VPNs to access platforms like X (formerly Twitter). This hypocrisy further fueled public outrage and eroded trust in the government’s motives.
In response to the escalating crackdown, the global #KeepItOn coalition issued a statement urging Pakistani authorities to halt the suppression of digital rights. The coalition, which advocates for internet freedom worldwide, emphasized the detrimental impact of such restrictions on democracy and economic stability.
Economic Fallout and Global Repercussions
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce sounded the alarm,warning that prolonged internet disruptions could severely harm Pakistan’s economy. Multinational companies, reliant on stable digital infrastructure, began reconsidering their presence in the country. WhatsApp, a cornerstone of communication for millions, reportedly became the first major platform to relocate its operations from Pakistan, setting a troubling precedent for other tech giants.
These developments painted a grim picture of Pakistan’s digital future. As the government tightened its grip on online spaces, the ripple effects extended beyond politics, threatening livelihoods, innovation, and the nation’s global standing. The VPN ban, in particular, emerged as a symbol of the broader struggle for digital rights in an increasingly connected world.
As the debate over internet freedom continues, one thing is clear: the decisions made today will shape Pakistan’s digital trajectory for years to come.Whether the government chooses to prioritize transparency and inclusivity or further entrench its control remains to be seen. For now, the voices of activists, businesses, and ordinary citizens serve as a powerful reminder of the stakes at hand.
In Pakistan,the ongoing internet shutdowns have created a ripple effect,disrupting lives and livelihoods across the country. For many, the internet is not just a convenience but a lifeline, and its absence has left countless individuals struggling to make ends meet.
Freelancers, who contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economy, are among the hardest hit.Farhan Murtaza,a 27-year-old freelancer from Rawalpindi,shared his frustrations: “I have lost a large number of clients since the internet problems began. While I used to earn $500 monthly before the internet issues, now I can barely make $150.” His story echoes the struggles of thousands who depend on online work to support their families.
“I thought the issue would be resolved soon and that things would return to normal, but I didn’t realize that it would persist. It has robbed me of my means of earning a living,” Murtaza added, his voice tinged with disappointment.
The impact extends beyond freelancers to those who rely on gig economy platforms for their daily income. ride-hailing and delivery services like Careem, InDrive, FoodPanda, and Yango have become unreliable due to frequent internet outages. Zubair Ali, a 24-year-old bike driver with InDrive, expressed his desperation: “I used to rely on our only bike service for income, but with the internet shutdowns becoming more frequent, I am desperately looking for other ways to make a living.”
“I wish our lives were made easier, but unfortunately, nobody seems to care,” Ali lamented, capturing the sentiment of many who feel abandoned by the system.
The healthcare sector has also been severely affected.Telemedicine and online health services, which have become essential in the digital age, are now struggling to function. Shahid Azeem*, a 34-year-old dermatologist in Islamabad, explained, “My consultations with my clients are primarily online, and as the internet disruptions began, I am unable to connect with them.”
“In this age of AI, it is indeed unacceptable to have such poor internet service. My profession cannot function effectively without reliable internet,” Azeem added, highlighting the broader implications of the crisis.
Students, too, are bearing the brunt of these disruptions. For those enrolled in distance learning programs, the lack of consistent internet access has become a major obstacle. Niaz Hussain*, a 23-year-old university student from Rawalpindi, shared his struggles: “I am finding it extremely hard to continue my studies since the internet shutdowns began. I cannot connect with my university, and it’s affecting both my academic performance and my mental health as I constantly worry about the situation.”
“I am unable to attend my classes on time because of the internet outages – it’s such a pathetic situation. I urge the government and authorities in Pakistan to restore internet services to normal,” hussain concluded, voicing a plea echoed by many across the nation.
*Names marked with an asterisk are pseudonyms at the sources’ request.
How are internet shutdowns in Pakistan impacting freelancers and their ability to meet deadlines and maintain client relationships?
Eet. The situation has become particularly dire for freelancers, small business owners, and students, who rely heavily on digital connectivity for their work and education.
Freelancers and Small Businesses Bear the Brunt
Freelancers,who contribute considerably to Pakistan’s economy,have been hit hard by the frequent internet outages. Many of these individuals work with international clients,and the inability to meet deadlines due to connectivity issues has led to lost contracts and income. “I’ve lost three clients in the past month as I couldn’t deliver on time,” said ahmed, a freelance graphic designer from Lahore. “It’s not just about the money; it’s about the trust I’ve built over the years, which is now eroding.”
Small businesses, particularly those operating online, are also facing severe challenges. E-commerce platforms, which have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, are now struggling to process orders and communicate with customers. “Our sales have dropped by almost 40% as the internet shutdowns began,” shared Ayesha, who runs an online clothing store. “We’re losing customers to competitors in other countries who don’t have to deal with these issues.”
Students left in the Dark
The impact on education has been equally devastating. With many schools and universities relying on online classes, students are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with their studies. “I missed two significant exams as the internet was down,” said Fatima, a university student in Karachi.“I don’t know how I’m going to catch up, and it’s really affecting my grades.”
Teachers are also feeling the strain. “We’re doing our best to adapt, but it’s impossible to provide a consistent learning experience when the internet keeps going out,” said Mr. Khan, a high school teacher in Islamabad. “The students are frustrated, and so are we.”
A Growing Digital Divide
The internet shutdowns have also exacerbated the digital divide in Pakistan. While urban areas may have some access to option connectivity solutions,rural areas are often left entirely disconnected. “We don’t have the luxury of using VPNs or other tools to bypass the restrictions,” said Ali, a farmer from a remote village in Punjab. “For us, the internet is completely cut off, and we’re left in the dark.”
Calls for action
As the situation continues to worsen, there are growing calls for the government to reconsider its approach. Digital rights activists, business leaders, and ordinary citizens are urging policymakers to find a balance between security concerns and the need for open, accessible internet.
“The government needs to understand that the internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” said Nighat Dad, executive director of the Digital rights Foundation. “These shutdowns are hurting the economy, stifling innovation, and violating people’s basic rights.It’s time for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to internet governance.”
The Road Ahead
The ongoing internet shutdowns in pakistan are a stark reminder of the delicate balance between security and freedom in the digital age. While the government may have legitimate concerns, the current approach is causing more harm than good. As the country grapples with these challenges, the need for obvious, inclusive, and forward-thinking policies has never been more urgent.
For now, the people of Pakistan continue to navigate the uncertainties of a disrupted digital landscape, hoping for a resolution that respects their rights and supports their aspirations. The decisions made in the coming months will not only shape the future of internet freedom in Pakistan but also determine the country’s place in the global digital economy.
