Major Internet Breakdown has Severely Affected Digital Agencies

Pakistan-based freelancers, digital marketers, and even agency owners are shaken because the recent internet interruptions have become a constant reality. Being rejected by the government while termed as “minor incidents,” internet usage has not only worsened people’s frustration but also driven them sceptical of authorities’ true intent.

Freelancers and Digital Agencies in Crisis

For months, internet users have been struggling with slow speeds and unreliable connectivity, hindering access to platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram. These are the platforms that make up the backbone of Pakistan’s digital economy, enabling thousands to earn through freelancing and digital marketing. Outages reportedly linked to the government testing a new “firewall” have disrupted business operations nationwide.

Downdetector reports of major platform outages spiked this week, indicating the scale of the problem. Many believe that the firewall, which has been touted as a move to enhance cybersecurity and content control, is being used to suppress political dissent, especially when protests are taking place. The government says it is necessary to counter cyberattacks and terrorism, claiming millions of threats are made daily.

Livelihoods at Risk

For digital workers, the implications have been catastrophic. A freelance graphic designer in Karachi said, “With clients overseas, even a few hours of downtime can mean losing a project. How are we supposed to survive this?” Agencies handling social media campaigns for local businesses are also reporting delays in content delivery and plummeting client satisfaction.

It has furthered the debate of whether such outages are technically oriented or politically motivated. The critics believe that it is the case of preferring information control by the government, instead of rectifying the actual technical problems within the outdated internet structure in Pakistan. This, over time, has developed widespread dissatisfaction among the young generations due to limited internet services. Innovation and competitiveness in the world’s digital economy are dampened.

Read More: VPN in Pakistan: Why Do We Need to Register?

Future for Digital Workers

Although the government has promised to upgrade its web management systems and expand 4G and 5G services by 2025, the immediate future is bleak for the digital workforce. Until stable connectivity is restored, Pakistan risks alienating its freelancers and entrepreneurs who have long relied on the Internet to stay afloat in a challenging economic landscape.

With no clear resolution in sight, the nation’s digital economy faces an uncertain road ahead, where every disruption chips away at the hopes of those striving for financial independence online.

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