Pakistan’s IT sector faces massive economic losses from Internet disruptions, totaling $1.62 billion in 2024. Experts urge the government to accelerate 5G rollout, improve Internet speeds, and address VPN restrictions. These efforts are critical to strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy and mitigating the impact on its freelance workforce.
The PTA has confirmed that internet disruptions in Pakistan are due to a fault in the AAE-1 undersea cable, located near Qatar. The cable connects Pakistan to several international networks, and efforts are underway to repair the issue. Users may continue experiencing slowdowns and connectivity problems across the country.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set an ambitious goal to boost IT exports to $25 billion over the next five years. However, internet speed issues are hindering progress, affecting freelancers and businesses alike. The government and stakeholders are urged to develop solutions to overcome this challenge.
