The ongoing internet slowdown crisis in Pakistan has prompted telecom operators to send a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging immediate action to address the issue. The telecom sector is facing the threat of an annual loss of Rs12 billion due to the decrease in internet speed, which has resulted in a daily decrease of 6,400 terabytes in internet traffic nationwide. This slowdown is not only affecting the telecom sector but also creating difficulties across various sectors such as commerce, healthcare, education, finance, banking, and public sector operations.
The Telecom Operators Association has highlighted the significant impact of the internet slowdown on Pakistan’s economy. The country is home to the world’s fourth-largest freelance workforce, which heavily relies on a fast and reliable internet connection to carry out their work. The slowdown has severely impacted these freelancers and poses a threat to IT exports, which are a crucial source of revenue for the country. The letter emphasizes the importance of restoring internet speed as soon as possible to prevent further economic losses.
Furthermore, the letter points out that many individuals in the working class depend on the internet for communication with clients and others. The lower-middle class, in particular, will face adverse financial effects due to the slowdown, as their livelihoods may be directly impacted by the inability to access a reliable internet connection. This highlights the far-reaching consequences of the internet slowdown crisis and the urgent need for a solution.
The telecom operators have called on the prime minister to promptly identify and address any technical issues causing the slowdown. They stress that delays in resolving this issue will have severe economic repercussions for the country, potentially leading to a loss of over Rs3 billion annually to the national treasury due to reduced telecom sector revenue. It is crucial for the government to take immediate action to ensure that the internet speed is restored to normal levels to prevent further financial losses and support the growth of the telecom sector.
In conclusion, the internet slowdown crisis in Pakistan is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention from the government. The telecom operators have highlighted the significant economic impact of the slowdown and the potential loss of revenue for the country. It is essential for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address this issue promptly to prevent further economic repercussions and support the growth of the telecom sector and IT exports in Pakistan.
