Freelancers in Pakistan are facing significant challenges due to persistent internet issues, prompting the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) to call for immediate action. For the past three weeks, unreliable internet services have been a major concern, leading to missed deadlines and financial losses for many in the freelancing community.
PAFLA’s President, Tufail Ahmed Khan, emphasized the essential role of stable internet in sustaining Pakistan’s freelancing sector. He pointed out that the industry, which contributed $350 million to the national economy during the fiscal year 2023-24, is at risk of being undermined if the connectivity issues are not resolved promptly. Reliable internet is crucial for meeting client expectations and maintaining Pakistan’s standing in the global freelancing market.
In response to these concerns, Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja explained that the recent slowdowns were primarily caused by the high usage of VPNs, rather than deliberate government restrictions. She assured that the authorities are working to enhance internet services and reduce disruptions.
Furthermore, Minister Khawaja highlighted the government’s efforts to support the IT sector through the establishment of a digitization commission. This initiative aims to boost IT exports and provide further support to freelancers, addressing the challenges they face and ensuring that Pakistan remains competitive in the global digital economy.
The ongoing internet issues underline the critical need for stable connectivity to sustain the growth of Pakistan’s freelancing industry, which is increasingly vital to the country’s economic future.
