Ahmed Raza
Pakistan has a unique opportunity to position itself as a destination for those seeking a glimpse into life in a pre-digital era, thanks to a growing trend of internet disruptions that have become commonplace in the country. With authorities seemingly treating internet access as a non-essential luxury, it may be time to turn this rigid stance into an economic opportunity. Since Saturday night (November 23), internet users, particularly in Punjab, have been grappling with significant connectivity issues. WhatsApp services were disrupted, leaving users unable to share media files or make voice calls. The demand for VPNs skyrocketed, though with limited success. This disruption was reportedly a preemptive measure to control potential unrest following the PTI protest in Islamabad. Yet, what this episode reveals is not just Pakistan’s fragile internet infrastructure but also its self-sabotaging approach to being viewed as a viable tech destination.
While temporary internet shutdowns have become increasingly common worldwide, particularly in politically unstable regions, Pakistan’s handling of such disruptions reveals a deeper issue. The internet is no longer just a convenience but a vital tool for millions of people who rely on it to make a living. Freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses have become heavily dependent on stable connectivity to meet deadlines, communicate with international clients, and ensure a steady income. When the government imposes arbitrary internet shutdowns, the economic damage is not immediately visible, but it is profound. Freelancers, for instance, face the risk of having their credibility damaged. International platforms, upon detecting consistent disruptions, flag freelancers from the affected region, warning clients about potential unreliability. This tarnishes the reputation of Pakistan’s workforce, which can result in lost opportunities and reduced earnings, further exacerbating the country’s economic difficulties.
The bigger question looming over these frequent disruptions is: for how long can Pakistan continue to sabotage its own growth prospects? The cycle of political protests and partial shutdowns is not only unsustainable but detrimental to the country’s long-term progress. This pattern of shutting down or disrupting access to the internet harks back to the policies of the 2000s, during the “War on Terror,” when similar tactics were used to control information. Those years cost Pakistan the chance to develop a robust IT sector, halting progress at a time when the world was rapidly moving towards the digital age. Now, as the country struggles to recover and reenter the global economic fold, authorities appear intent on stifling a sector that could potentially provide immense opportunities. Neighboring countries, such as India and Bangladesh, have leveraged the internet to boost their socio-economic development, while Pakistan remains shackled by outdated policies and internal political conflicts. Rather than being seen as a catalyst for growth, the internet is treated as a liability, a tool to be controlled, rather than an asset to be embraced.
The issue of internet disruptions is not isolated to the immediate inconveniences they cause but speaks to broader governance challenges. Internet access and the digital infrastructure supporting it have become essential for national development. The decision to restrict access, often under the guise of security or political control, ultimately harms Pakistan’s competitive edge in a world that increasingly depends on digital technology. While temporary disruptions may be framed as necessary for national security, the broader consequences cannot be ignored. These actions undermine the trust of foreign investors and global corporations, who view an unstable internet infrastructure as a risk to their operations.
In addition to the direct economic consequences, these disruptions also stifle creativity and innovation. Pakistan’s burgeoning tech industry, which has shown promise in recent years, is being held back by the government’s inability to guarantee stable and reliable internet services. Startups, tech companies, and individual entrepreneurs face delays and setbacks that could otherwise be avoided. The lack of a supportive and stable digital environment discourages investment and entrepreneurial initiatives, further diminishing the country’s potential as a tech hub.
More concerning is the impact on education and skill development. In a world that is shifting towards e-learning and digital education, students and professionals are left in the lurch when the internet becomes unreliable. The young generation, which is increasingly dependent on digital resources for learning and career development, finds itself unable to access global platforms, hindering their ability to acquire the skills needed to compete in the modern job market. Pakistan’s talent pool, which could otherwise contribute to the global digital economy, is being constrained by inconsistent and restrictive internet policies.
The cyclical nature of protests and the political unrest that accompanies them often leads to temporary shutdowns of services, but this only serves to exacerbate the challenges the country already faces. Protests and dissent are a fundamental aspect of any democracy, but they must be constructive, not destructive. The role of protests should be to amplify voices and bring about positive change, not to create chaos that paralyzes the state and its economic sectors. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the political gridlock and power struggles have taken precedence over national interests, and this has been reflected in the government’s approach to the internet.
The constant interruptions to digital services are a reflection of a deeper problem: the prioritization of short-term political gain over long-term economic strategy. Instead of working towards fostering a more open and accessible internet, authorities appear focused on exerting control over the flow of information. The consequences of this approach are far-reaching, affecting not just the political landscape but the economy, education, and overall development. In an age where connectivity is paramount to success, the failure to provide stable and reliable internet services could ultimately hinder Pakistan’s ability to compete on the global stage.
At this juncture, it is crucial for all political parties and their supporters to understand the lasting damage these tactics are inflicting on the nation. The cycle of protests and shutdowns must end, as it is clearly unsustainable and ultimately self-defeating. Pakistan must learn from the past mistakes of the 2000s and recognize that the internet is no longer just a tool for communication but a vital economic asset. Political infighting and power struggles should not come at the cost of national stability and progress. It is time for the country’s political leaders to set aside their differences and focus on policies that foster national development, economic stability, and technological innovation.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s current approach to the internet is a self-sabotaging one that undermines its potential as a growing tech hub. The disruptions caused by frequent internet shutdowns, whether in response to political unrest or security concerns, have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond mere inconvenience. The country risks falling further behind its regional neighbors and the rest of the world if it continues to treat the internet as a tool of control rather than an enabler of progress. For Pakistan to thrive in the 21st century, its leaders must prioritize the development of a stable and reliable digital infrastructure, which can act as a foundation for economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
