Digital Economy at Risk, Govt Surveillance Slows Internet Nationwide

In recent weeks, concerns have been rising among businesses in Pakistan due to a significant slowdown in internet services across the country. This slowdown, according to internet service providers, is a result of the government’s increased efforts to monitor internet traffic more closely.

The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) issued a statement on Wednesday, pointing out the severe impact of the government’s decision to enhance security and surveillance measures. These efforts, while intended to protect the country, have inadvertently caused a major disruption in the digital economy. Internet speeds have dropped by 30 to 40 percent, making it difficult for businesses and individuals to maintain the fast, reliable connectivity they depend on.

The slowdown has been particularly harmful to certain sectors, including call centers, e-commerce professionals, and people who work online. These industries are crucial to Pakistan’s growing digital economy, and they are now struggling to keep their operations running smoothly. The situation is so severe that many businesses are considering moving their operations to other countries where internet services are more stable.

WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that many customers are leaving smaller internet service providers because they can no longer tolerate the poor service quality. He warned that if the slowdown continues, there could be a mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan, which would have devastating effects on the economy.

Other industry leaders echoed Mr. Arshad’s concerns. They warned that the current situation is damaging Pakistan’s reputation as a hub for digital entrepreneurship and is putting the country’s economic stability at risk. The inability to use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) due to increased surveillance is making matters worse, particularly for international businesses and freelancers who rely on secure, uninterrupted internet access.

One e-commerce entrepreneur from Karachi highlighted the growing panic among the business community. He noted that without fast and secure internet, Pakistani businesses cannot compete on a global scale, and many are being pushed to the brink of survival. He added that the government’s measures show no sign of letting up, leaving the future of Pakistan’s digital economy in jeopardy.

As the government remains committed to enhancing security, the pressing question is at what cost to the nation’s digital economy? Major online platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp have been hit hard, with users experiencing slowdowns and difficulties in accessing these applications.

Some users have speculated that the disruptions are due to a firewall installed by the government to monitor and control internet traffic. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied these claims, stating that the slowdown is not caused by a firewall.

In summary, while the government’s intentions to increase security are understandable, the resulting impact on internet speeds is causing significant harm to businesses and the digital economy. There is an urgent need for a solution that balances security concerns with the need for reliable and robust internet access, or else Pakistan risks losing its status as a growing digital economy.

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