The digital landscape in Pakistan is facing severe disruptions as intensified government surveillance efforts have led to a significant slowdown in internet services across the nation. Internet service providers (ISPs) have reported a 30 to 40 per cent decline in internet speeds, sparking concern among the business community and raising alarms about the future of the country’s digital economy.
The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) issued a statement on Wednesday, attributing the slowdown to the government’s enhanced security and monitoring measures. The association warned that these efforts, though aimed at bolstering national security, are having unintended and potentially catastrophic consequences for the economy.
“The drop in internet speed has created a chaotic environment for businesses and individuals alike,” said WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad. “The digital economy, particularly call centres, e-commerce platforms, and online professionals, is being severely impacted. Many of these sectors are now struggling to maintain basic operations, and the slowdown threatens their very survival.”
The repercussions of the reduced internet speeds are being felt most acutely by sectors that rely heavily on consistent, high-speed connectivity. Call centres, a significant part of Pakistan’s service sector, have reported operational difficulties, while e-commerce businesses are experiencing disruptions that could lead to significant revenue losses.
The situation is prompting businesses to consider relocating to countries with more stable internet services. “It’s a very discouraging situation for our customers,” Mr. Arshad added. “Many are leaving the smaller ISPs because they cannot sustain the poor service quality anymore. If this continues, we will see a mass exodus of businesses from Pakistan.”
The inability to use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) due to increased surveillance is exacerbating the problem, particularly for international businesses and freelancers who rely on secure, uninterrupted internet access. A leading e-commerce entrepreneur based in Karachi expressed growing panic within the business community, stating, “Without fast and secure internet, we cannot compete on a global scale, and this is pushing us towards the brink.”
Despite these mounting concerns, the government remains firm in its commitment to heightened security measures. However, industry leaders are urging for a balanced approach that safeguards national security without compromising the digital economy.
As major online platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp experience slowdowns, users speculate that a government-installed firewall might be to blame — a claim that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has denied. Nevertheless, the disruptions persist, casting a shadow over Pakistan’s reputation as an emerging hub for digital entrepreneurship.
The ongoing slowdown raises a critical question: Can Pakistan sustain its digital growth while enhancing security? As businesses continue to suffer, the need for a solution that ensures both robust security and reliable internet access has never been more urgent.