Islamabad: Frequent internet outages and restricted cyberspace are posing a significant threat to Pakistan’s thriving freelance sector, with many freelancers reporting a sharp decline in work opportunities.
According to freelancers, foreign and local assignments have decreased by up to 70%, leading to fears of widespread unemployment among the country’s hundreds of thousands of online workers.
The issue is compounded by slow internet speeds, making it challenging for freelancers to meet deadlines. Several professionals have reported their profiles being closed on major platforms due to late submissions.
A digital marketing expert warned that international clients, particularly those from neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh, are likely to take their business elsewhere if Pakistan’s internet infrastructure does not improve. “Reliable connectivity is the backbone of freelancing, and without it, we risk losing our competitive edge,” they said.
The impact is not limited to freelancers. Sources indicate that sluggish internet speeds are crippling various sectors, further dampening the country’s already struggling economy.
In a recent Senate Standing Committee meeting on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the government acknowledged the connectivity issues. Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima revealed plans to bring Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service to Pakistan.
While this move could potentially revolutionize Pakistan’s internet landscape, experts believe immediate steps are needed to prevent further damage to the freelancing industry and the broader IT sector.
