Call to Action
The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) has urged authorities to resolve ongoing internet issues, as reported by ARY News. The association stressed the need for immediate action to restore full internet services.
Impact on Freelancers
In a recent statement, PAFLA President and CEO, Tufail Ahmed Khan, highlighted that freelancers have faced slow internet speeds and frequent disruptions for the past three weeks. These challenges have hindered their ability to meet deadlines, secure new clients, and maintain steady business, leading to significant revenue lo
Economic Significance
Tufail Ahmed Khan emphasized that a stable internet connection is vital for freelancers to deliver quality work and contribute to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. He noted that Pakistan ranks as the fourth-largest freelancing market globally, with over 2.3 million freelancers. Persistent internet issues could harm the country’s reputation on online freelancing platforms, further damaging the industry.
Freelancing’s Broader Impact
PAFLA also pointed out that thousands of students rely on freelancing to fund their education, and many educated housewives take on freelance work to support their families. The association highlighted the economic significance of freelancers, who generated $350 million in FY 2023-24, marking a 40% year-on-year increase.
Government’s Response to Internet Issues
Official Statement
On Sunday, Federal Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressed the ongoing internet issues. She clarified that the slowdown was due to the excessive use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), not any intentional government action.
Explanation and Assurance
Khawaja explained that when certain apps were blocked, many users switched to VPNs, which bypassed local internet services and slowed down overall speeds. She assured the public that the government is working to resolve the issue and improve internet services in Pakistan
Digitization Efforts
The minister also announced the establishment of a Digitization Commission aimed at digitizing the economy. She noted that IT exports have increased due to the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s measures. Khawaja dismissed rumours of intentional internet slowdowns, attributing the issues to heavy internet traf
