Pakistan’s ongoing internet crisis is not just a technical glitch; it’s a ticking time bomb for the millions who rely on the digital world for their livelihood. In a country where economic opportunities are scarce, the internet has become a lifeline, enabling people to carve out careers in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago. From freelancers offering graphic design, writing, and programming services to e-commerce entrepreneurs running thriving online stores, the digital economy is a crucial pillar of Pakistan’s workforce.
The Threat to Pakistan’s Freelancer Community
Take, for example, the burgeoning freelance community in Pakistan, which has grown exponentially in recent years. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com have empowered skilled professionals to work with clients worldwide, breaking free from the limitations of local job markets. A graphic designer in Karachi, for instance, can now collaborate with a startup in San Francisco, earning in dollars and bringing much-needed foreign exchange into the country. Similarly, small business owners have harnessed the power of social media to sell everything from handmade crafts to fashion apparel, reaching customers far beyond their immediate surroundings.
But this digital revolution is under threat. Widespread internet outages over the past few days have caused massive disruptions, leaving many unable to perform basic tasks like sending emails, accessing social media, or processing online payments. The situation has sparked speculation that the government’s recent tweaks to the national firewall—ostensibly for surveillance purposes—are to blame. While the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied this, the lack of transparency has only deepened public mistrust.
So, are people losing their jobs?
However a detailed investigation has shown that the misinformation stems from an old incident reported back in May 2023. Despite recent re-circulation of this claim, no new notifications or updates from Fiverr suggest any changes affecting Pakistani freelancers. In fact, profiles from Pakistan are fully active, and the platform continues to operate as usual.
It appears that the renewed spread of this outdated news is being driven by certain accounts linked to a political party, aiming to cause unnecessary alarm. However, Fiverr’s platform remains accessible, and Pakistani freelancers are still able to offer their services without any disruptions, though the speed of the work is nonetheless being effected by the current poor internet situation.
Economic Fallout
In the meantime, the economic fallout is becoming impossible to ignore. For someone who depends on digital marketing to drive sales for their online store, a slow internet connection isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a potential death sentence for their business. The impact is even more severe for those in remote areas, where the internet is often the only link to the global economy. As one frustrated business owner vented on social media, “We spend thousands daily on advertising, and due to these internet problems, we’re losing sales and business. Why is it so hard to survive in Pakistan?”
While the rest of the world moves forward, embracing faster internet speeds and more robust digital infrastructures, Pakistan appears to be slipping backward. In countries like South Korea and Japan, blazing-fast internet has spurred innovation and economic growth. But in Pakistan, the current crisis threatens to undo years of progress, pushing the country further into isolation just when it should be striving to compete in the global digital economy.
The contrast couldn’t be starker: while other nations are unlocking new possibilities through enhanced connectivity, Pakistan’s internet-dependent workforce is being stifled by what many see as politically motivated interference. If the situation isn’t resolved soon, the country risks not only economic loss but also the disillusionment of a generation that has embraced the digital age as a path to a better future.
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