2.5 million freelancers face risk of losing online jobs amid internet disruptions in Pakistan

Freelancers in Pakistan are bearing the brunt of ongoing internet disruptions, with 2.5 million at risk of losing their online jobs due to slower communication with clients and difficulties completing tasks.

The internet disruptions are primarily affecting internet services on cellular devices, resulting in slow browsing and interrupted access to social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

These issues are making it difficult for online workers to download or receive data.

The Internet Service Providers Association warned that due to slow internet speeds, many businesses are considering relocating their operations abroad.

Many are exploring the option of hiring remote employees from foreign countries.

Telecom Consultant Parvez Iftikhar said that internet speed was already slow on 4G, and the recent disruptions will further negatively impact IT exports.

He stated that out of Pakistan's 138 million internet subscriptions, 135 million rely on mobile networks.

The government's vague explanations for the internet disruptions, including the possibility of a newly installed security firewall, have eroded trust between freelancers and their clients regarding data security.

The IT industry is expected to incur significant losses of $300 million due to the ongoing internet service disruptions.

After a prolonged silence and disregard for public outcry over connectivity issues, the Minister of IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, stated on Thursday that the government is "operating a web management system."

Fatima maintained that the process is a routine procedure implemented by other countries as well, but she failed to provide specific details about the issue.

“It is the right of the government to take measures to protect its interests given the cyber security attacks that Pakistan is facing,” she said.

Meta platforms, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google services experienced disruptions in Pakistan after 12pm on Thursday, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com.

Several freelancers took to social media to complain about losing clients due to slow communication and their inability to meet deadlines.