Pakistan is facing a serious economic threat as the disruption of internet services due to the installation of firewalls has prompted several multinational companies to shift their offices abroad. The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has issued a warning, highlighting that persistent internet problems are causing significant damage to the country's business environment.
The impact has been immediate and severe, with numerous companies already relocating their operations out of Pakistan. This exodus is leading to increased unemployment, a drop in exports, and a decline in tax revenue. The country’s emerging software sector is particularly at risk, as poor implementation of firewalls threatens to leave much of its capacity idle.
According to the PBC, these disruptions could have been mitigated with better planning. The organization is urging the government to reconsider its approach to firewall installation, suggesting that earlier trials could have preserved thousands of jobs and maintained Pakistan's reputation as a reliable IT services provider.
The online business sector has also been hit hard. E-commerce platforms, including those on Fiverr and Amazon, are facing serious challenges as clients withdraw their orders due to slow internet speeds and frequent outages. The IT industry is reportedly losing millions of dollars daily, with IT exports suffering a $13 million blow each day.
Experts are sounding the alarm, describing the situation as increasingly dire. An online business owner reported that his working hours have doubled due to the internet issues, while IT professionals are struggling to maintain the trust of international clients. The slow and unreliable internet service has made it difficult for e-commerce businesses to operate efficiently, further exacerbating the economic downturn.
During a recent Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication meeting, chaired by Senator Palusha Mohammad Zai Khan, the internet disruptions were a key topic of discussion. Senator Afnanullah warned that Pakistan could lose up to $3 billion in IT sector exports if the internet problems are not resolved swiftly.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association has also raised concerns about the potential for a large-scale exodus of IT companies. The association attributes the current crisis to the hasty implementation of firewalls, which has already cost the burgeoning IT industry an estimated $300 million in initial losses. The situation could deteriorate further if the issues are not addressed promptly.
The PBC and other industry stakeholders are calling for a more balanced approach to firewall implementation. They emphasize the need to ensure security without compromising business operations, employment, and the country’s economic stability.
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