Pakistan is facing an ongoing internet slowdown that is severely impacting the freelance industry. Freelancers have reported a 70% decrease in job opportunities because of slow internet speeds. This has caused major problems, such as missing deadlines, having accounts closed, and disrupting digital marketing campaigns.
The internet issues are so serious that experts fear freelance clients may start moving to other countries like India or Bangladesh where the internet is more reliable. In addition, the IT sector in Pakistan is losing over $1 million every hour because of widespread internet outages. According to reports, 99% of companies in the sector are experiencing service disruptions, which is affecting business operations.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) is urging the government to step in and support the industry. They suggest offering tax incentives to help businesses recover from the damage caused by the internet slowdowns. These incentives could also attract new investments and increase remittances, helping to stabilize the sector and keep the country competitive in the global market.
The internet issues are not only hurting freelancers but also the entire IT and digital economy of Pakistan. Immediate action is needed to improve internet connectivity and ensure that businesses and workers can continue to thrive in the digital age.
