The Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) has called on the authorities to urgently resolve the ongoing internet issues that are negatively impacting freelancers across the country.
President Tufail Ahmed Khan expressed concerns that the slow internet speeds and frequent disruptions over the past three weeks have caused many freelancers to miss important deadlines and suffer significant revenue losses.
Khan highlighted the critical role that stable internet plays in supporting Pakistan’s rapidly growing freelancing sector, which contributed $350 million to the economy in the fiscal year 2023-24. He stressed that without reliable internet, freelancers are unable to meet their clients’ expectations, which could damage Pakistan’s reputation in the global market.
Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja responded to these concerns by explaining that the recent slowdowns were largely due to the high usage of VPNs, rather than any intentional restrictions on internet access. She assured that the government is actively working to improve internet services and prevent further disruptions.
Additionally, Khawaja mentioned that the government has established a digitization commission aimed at boosting IT exports and further supporting the freelancing community. This commission is expected to address many of the challenges facing the IT sector, ensuring that Pakistan remains competitive in the global digital marketplace.
PAFLA’s appeal underscores the urgent need for stable internet connectivity to support the continued growth and success of the freelancing sector, which is becoming an increasingly important part of Pakistan’s economy.
