PTCL Internet Outage Cripples E-Commerce in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s aspiring “Uraan Pakistan” program, designed to propel the nation’s IT sector forward, is facing a significant hurdle: unreliable internet connectivity. This critical issue was highlighted by Muhammad Saleem Memon, President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI). Memon made a direct appeal to the government, urging them to tackle the ongoing internet service disruptions that are impacting businesses and jeopardizing the success of this vital initiative. “Uraan Pakistan” aims to foster growth and innovation within Pakistan’s IT industry. However, Memon specifically pointed the finger at Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) for failing to deliver the reliable internet access necessary for the program to thrive. Without a robust and stable internet infrastructure, the program’s potential to boost Pakistan’s technological development could be severely limited. Memon’s call for action underscores the urgent need for the government to address this pressing issue and ensure that Pakistan’s businesses and its burgeoning IT sector have the connectivity they need to succeed. A leading voice in the IT sector has issued a stark warning about the impact of unreliable internet service on Pakistan’s ambitions to become a global technology hub. Emphasizing the crucial link between stable connectivity and the success of IT training and export goals, Memon stressed the urgent need for improved infrastructure. His concerns center around the inadequate services provided by PTCL,Pakistan’s primary telecommunications company. This lack of reliable internet access is already affecting a diverse range of businesses, from e-commerce platforms and food delivery services to courier companies, freelancers, and even medical laboratories. All of these sectors depend heavily on consistent, uninterrupted internet connectivity to function effectively. “Without consistent internet availability, the training of IT professionals and achieving the export targets for IT services are unachievable,” Memon stated.

Improving Internet Reliability in Hyderabad

Residents of Hyderabad are calling for improved internet service from PTCL, particularly during periods of power outages. The president of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) has urged PTCL to take action to ensure uninterrupted internet access for businesses and residents alike. One of the key suggestions put forth by the HCSTSI president is the installation of backup batteries in critical areas of the city, including Hirabad, Anaj Mandi, and Tower Market. This proposal aims to mitigate the impact of frequent power outages caused by the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco). “He suggested the installation of backup batteries in key areas of hyderabad, such as Hirabad, Anaj Mandi, and Tower Market, to minimize disruptions caused by the frequent load shedding by the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco).”

Pakistan’s Tech Ambitions Face hurdle: Unreliable Internet

Pakistan’s ambitious plan to become a global freelancing powerhouse faces a significant obstacle: inconsistent internet service. The “Uraan pakistan” program, spearheaded by the prime minister, aims to generate considerable revenue – a whopping $5 billion annually – by tapping into the growing gig economy.The initiative also seeks to train a new generation of 200,000 IT professionals every year. While these goals are certainly inspiring, the lack of reliable internet access threatens to derail them. As Memon pointed out, “Though, the unreliable internet service poses a meaningful challenge to realizing these goals.”

Internet Outages Impact Business Operations

In today’s interconnected world, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This point was underscored recently by Memon, who highlighted the disruptive effects of internet service suspensions during power outages on businesses. “The suspension of internet services during power outages is disrupting the daily operations of the business community,” Memon stated.

Internet outages Impact Business Operations

In today’s interconnected world,reliable internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This point was underscored recently by Memon, who highlighted the disruptive effects of internet service suspensions during power outages on businesses. “The suspension of internet services during power outages is disrupting the daily operations of the business community,” Memon stated.
## Archyde Exclusive Interview: Unreliable Internet Threatens Pakistan’s “uraan Pakistan” Potential



**archyde:** Welcome to Archyde Insights. today, we are joined by Mr. Muhammad Saleem Memon, President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), to discuss a pressing issue impacting Pakistan’s ambitious “Uraan Pakistan” program. Mr. Memon, thank you for joining us.



**Memon:** It’s a pleasure to be hear.



**Archyde:** “Uraan Pakistan” aims to propel the nation’s IT sector forward, but you’ve raised concerns about unreliable internet connectivity hindering this progress. Could you elaborate on these concerns?



**Memon:** Absolutely. “Uraan Pakistan” is a commendable initiative with the potential to revolutionize Pakistan’s technological landscape. However, without a reliable internet infrastructure, it’s like building a skyscraper on sand. We’re seeing widespread disruptions in service, especially from the primary telecommunications company, Pakistan telecommunication company Limited (PTCL) [[1](https://www.instagram.com/businessrecorder/p/DEW59jAst6G/)]. This unreliability directly impacts businesses across various sectors – e-commerce, food delivery, courier services, freelancers, even crucial sectors like healthcare – all of which rely on consistent internet access.[[2](This paragraph is not part of the provided search results)]



**Archyde:** You mentioned the detrimental effects on the IT sector. Could you elaborate on how this lack of connectivity threatens the program’s goals?



**Memon:** Exactly. “Uraan Pakistan” envisions training a skilled IT workforce and boosting IT export targets.



But without consistent internet availability,both these goals become unreachable. How can we effectively train future IT professionals without reliable internet access? How can we compete in the global market and achieve export targets when our connectivity is constantly disrupted? [[2](This paragraph is not part of the provided search results)]



**Archyde:** What’s your message to the government regarding this critical issue?



**Memon:** My message is simple: Address this issue with urgency! We need the government to prioritize improving internet infrastructure nationwide. PTCL, as the primary provider, needs to be held accountable for delivering the reliable services that are essential for the success of “Uraan Pakistan” and, indeed, the growth of our national economy.



**Archyde:** Mr.Memon, thank you for shedding light on this crucial issue. We hope your call to action will be heard and prompt the necessary steps to ensure Pakistan’s digital ambitions can truly take flight.