Low internet speed lowers 70pc income of food delivery riders: reports

The slow internet speed in Pakistan is severely impacting the lives of many laborers, making it difficult for them to earn a livelihood.

According to Reuters, several food delivery riders outside a restaurant in Karachi were seen struggling with slow internet, which is hampering their work.

One delivery driver, Muhammad Tariq, mentioned that his colleagues face challenges when starting their shifts because they can't connect to the internet.

In recent times, slow internet has affected various services and businesses in Pakistan, posing challenges for workers who rely on a stable internet connection to earn a living. Local media have attributed the slowdown to the government's implementation of a national firewall to monitor and control social media platforms.

However, the government denies using the firewall for censorship and instead blames issues with the submarine cable network for the slow internet speed.

Ikhlaq Ahmed, Director at Connect Communications, a provider of internet and data services, expressed concern over the government's lack of communication on the matter, stating that their customers are 'worried' about the state of their internet connectivity.

Last week, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) warned that difficulties in internet connectivity due to the installation of the national firewall could result in a loss of up to $300 million for Pakistan's economy.

The director of 'Bolo Bhi,' a digital rights watchdog based in Islamabad, highlighted the lack of transparency in the work of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and urged the government to 'immediately withdraw' the alleged national firewall, which they claim violates 'freedom of expression and the right to privacy.'

Since the February elections earlier this year, Pakistan has already blocked access to the social media platform X.