Pakistan’s IT sector is facing severe disruptions due to slow internet speeds, causing major setbacks for local businesses. Frequent internet outages have not only hampered productivity but also eroded trust among international clients.
Local IT firms, especially those in web development and digital marketing, are experiencing a significant drop in efficiency. Tasks that once took 5 to 6 hours are now extending to 10 hours, doubling both workload and operational costs. This inefficiency is forcing businesses to pay extra salaries and higher electricity bills, further straining their resources.
The situation has deteriorated to the point where many international clients are moving their business to countries with more reliable internet services. Business owners in Faisalabad are urgently calling on authorities to address this issue to prevent further damage to the city’s growing IT sector.
One local entrepreneur expressed frustration, stating, “Our clients abroad are losing trust due to these internet problems. We’re struggling to meet deadlines and maintain our reputation. Clients are moving to India and Bangladesh because of better internet services.”
The IT community in Faisalabad is pressing for immediate improvements to the internet infrastructure, stressing that the city’s digital economy depends on it. Financial strain is also evident, with businesses facing difficulties in paying staff due to delayed payments.
The internet slowdown is also affecting the educational sector. In Sukkur, students are facing difficulties with data searching and downloading, causing frustration among students and educators. “It feels like we’re going back to the Stone Age,” said one student, highlighting the impact on both their homework and online gaming.
Dr. Asif Ahmed Sheikh, Vice Chancellor of Sukkur IBA University, noted that the quality of internet service is crucial for modern education and that teaching processes are being disrupted.
In response to the nationwide internet shutdown, a legal challenge has been filed in the Lahore High Court. The application, scheduled for a hearing today with Justice Shakeel Ahmed Nadeem Sarwar presiding, names the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as respondents.
The petitioner argues that the shutdown of internet and social media apps across the country, without prior notice or justification, is violating fundamental rights and harming businesses and daily life. The petitioner is seeking an order for the complete and immediate restoration of internet services nationwide.
