Freelancers in Pakistan Struggle Amidst Internet Disruptions and Inflation

Pakistan’s freelance community is facing severe challenges due to ongoing internet disruptions, which have significantly impacted their ability to work and maintain client relationships. As the country grapples with inflation and economic strain, these issues are further exacerbating the difficulties faced by freelancers.

Recent disruptions have led to a surge in complaints from freelancers who are struggling with slow internet speeds and partial outages. Many have reported difficulties accessing their Fiverr accounts and other essential tools, severely affecting their ability to perform their work. A Pakistani freelancer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared with Geo.tv that the internet issues have led to substantial losses. “We are all facing different issues and many people in the freelancing community lost their potential long-term clients. We were not able to send files or download ones sent to us over WhatsApp,” the freelancer lamented.

The problems extend beyond just connectivity issues. Users across Pakistan are experiencing slowdowns and interruptions, particularly when using mobile data. There has been no explanation from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding these issues. Additionally, users of WhatsApp have encountered delays and failures in sending or downloading messages and media.

The situation has been aggravated by the government’s decision to block access to X (formerly known as Twitter) since the February 8 elections. Citing national security concerns, the government has restricted access to the microblogging site, forcing users to rely on VPNs (virtual private networks) to bypass these restrictions.

Many freelancers have voiced their frustration, noting that the internet disruptions are directly impacting their work. A freelance computer scientist highlighted the severity of the problem, explaining how the inability to meet deadlines due to slow internet has led clients to seek services elsewhere. “Many of the people in the freelancing community lost their potential long-term clients who were paying them a hefty amount monthly, and some of them relied on it,” he said. The disruption has resulted in missed deadlines and the loss of clients who are critical to many freelancers’ livelihoods.

The impact of these disruptions is also evident in the broader market. Faraz Ahmed, a freelancer with a decade of experience, reported significant losses due to internet issues. His team, which provides services to clients working on Amazon through remote desktop connections, has been unable to maintain the speed and efficiency required. “Thousands of freelancers in Pakistan have faced trouble connecting to desktops due to internet disruptions. Our business saw a 30% loss within a week, and clients have shifted their work to India and Bangladesh,” Ahmed explained. He warned that if these issues persist, many virtual assistants working from rural areas may lose their jobs.

Shahzad Arshad, Chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), also expressed concern about the situation. He described the internet slowdown as having “disrupted the flow of online work,” which is critical for many freelancers. Arshad noted that the delays and inability to upload files promptly have resulted in missed deadlines and loss of client trust. “The economic repercussions are severe. For freelancers who earn on a per-project basis, delays mean direct financial losses,” he added. He warned that continued disruptions could lead to a loss of Pakistan’s competitive edge in the global freelance market, potentially resulting in a decrease in foreign currency inflow and negatively impacting the national economy.

As the situation unfolds, the freelance community in Pakistan remains hopeful for a resolution to the internet issues, which are vital for their economic survival and continued engagement in the global market.

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