Islamabad, Dec 31: Pakistan has become the second-most affected nation by internet shutdowns in 2024, suffering 1,861 hours of disrupted connectivity, second only to Myanmar. These interruptions have cost the country an estimated $351 million, affecting 83 million users and raising global concerns over its internet reliability.
Economic and Social Impacts:
- Economic Losses:
Each hour of outage costs approximately $1 million, according to P@SHA, severely undermining the $3.3 billion export target for the information and communication sector in 2024. - Declining Internet Usage:
Pakistan’s internet growth rate averages 3%, significantly lower than the global average of 17%, while internet speeds lag at 22 Mbps compared to regional competitors like the Philippines (97 Mbps).
Challenges in Talent Retention and Forex Earnings:
- Frequent shutdowns and poor internet quality have discouraged professionals and youth, leading to doubts about staying in the country.
- Organizations increasingly avoid repatriating foreign exchange earnings, further straining Pakistan’s balance-of-payment challenges.
Call for Action:
To sustain its digital economy and IT industry, Pakistan urgently needs policies to prevent disruptions, expand digital networks, and attract investment. Without these measures, the country risks stalling IT development and losing its competitive edge in the digital economy.
