Internet slowdown in Pakistan has left users and businesses grappling with serious connectivity issues. On Monday, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) voiced frustration over being excluded from critical discussions with the government about this problem.
P@SHA’s Senior Vice Chairman, during a media interview, expressed the organization’s eagerness to work with the government. He questioned why P@SHA had been left out of these vital conversations. The Internet slowdown in Pakistan has affected millions, with experts suggesting it’s linked to new security measures. A firewall, designed to block unwanted content, has been installed. This firewall is expected to filter and inspect all internet traffic, including social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
P@SHA noted that in the past, they had been involved in discussions about internet policies, such as VPN restrictions. If consulted, they could have provided solutions to protect businesses from the effects of the Internet slowdown in Pakistan. The association estimates that these disruptions have led to significant financial losses. Business operations have been hit hard, and reputational damage is mounting.
The government, however, denies responsibility for the Internet slowdown in Pakistan. They attribute the issue to VPN usage. But P@SHA remains worried about the negative impact on the IT sector. They warn of potential long-term consequences if the issue isn’t resolved soon.
Adding to the concerns, the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) reported that over 2 million freelancers are struggling to deliver work on time due to the Internet slowdown in Pakistan. This situation threatens to harm Pakistan’s global reputation and economy.
