Internet disruptions heavily impacting Pakistan’s freelance community

Internet slowdown has been the major reason of losing long term potential clients of online business along with freelancers not being able to access their Fiverr accounts.  This has resulted in a whole lot of trouble to the freelance community in Pak as they struggle to make ends meet in the high inflation hit economy.

Internet users across the country are facing slowdowns and partial outrages, especially while using mobile data, with no explanation from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Users of messaging application, WhatsApp, have also reported long delays and failure to send or download pictures and voice messages.

The Shehbaz Sharif Govt has also blocked access to X, formerly known as Twitter since the February 8 elections citing national security concerns with netizens having to access the popular SM website through VPNs.

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The issue of slow internet has been attributed to the alleged testing of an internet firewall to rein in the social media that is equipped with filters that block unwanted content from reaching the wider audience.

Business Shifted to Bangladesh and India;

Due to this slowdown, many businesses have shifted to the neighbouring countries of India and Bangladesh. Faraz Ahmed, who has been freelancing for the past 10 years said that his team that specialises in providing services to those working on amazon through remote desktop has now been facing issues.

He stated that due to these internet disruptions, foreign clients are shifting to other markets in India and Bangladesh and for this reason the Pak Freelancing Industry are facing a 30% loss within a week.

Thousands of assistants who work from remote villages and towns are being massively impacted and may lead to losing the jobs if the matter is not resolved quickly.

Markets like call centres and e-commerce are facing more crisis now as the internet is down strangeling their business operations.