Pakistan’s Freelancers Face Economic Strain Amid Ongoing Internet Disruptions

August 2024 – The thriving freelancing industry in Pakistan was once a beacon of digital success. It now stands on shaky ground. Severe internet disruptions cripple the livelihoods of thousands of professionals.

Freelancers in Peril

In recent years, Pakistan has carved out a significant niche in the global freelancing market. This market is offering services across the various fields, like software development, content creation, graphic design, and digital marketing. Many Pakistani freelancers rely on these digital platforms as their source of income. They face lower compensation compared to international standards. But, the recent and persistent internal outages have thrown this flour milling industry into disarray.

For nearly a month, intermittent and worsening internet disruptions have wreaked havoc on the workflow of the freelancer. The outages are reportedly linked with government upgrades of the national web management system. These are suspected to include installations of the concurrent national firewall. These outages have sparked widespread concern. While intended to bolster cybersecurity, this move threatens to stifle Pakistan’s burgeoning digital economy. It is putting the livelihood of the freelancers at risk.

Economic Fallout

The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has sounded the alarm. They are estimating the potential losses of up to $300 million to the economy due to these disruptions. The Pakistani Free Lancers depend on the reliable internet to meet client deadlines. They want to keep their ratings. Now they are losing their project and, by extension, their primary income. The situation is particularly dire, as many fear the long-term damage to their professional reputations.

Ali Ihsan, Senior instead of Chairman of P@SHA, described the situation as “a direct, tangible, and aggressive assault.” He emphasized that it targets the industry’s viability. The association has called for immediate government action to end what they refer to as a “digital siege.” They urge for engagement with the industry. The goal is to develop a cybersecurity framework that does not compromise the stability of the internet.

A Grim Reality for Freelancers

Freelancers across Pakistan have shared stories of lost opportunities and damaged client relationships. In Karachi, a graphic designer expressed frustration over missing deadlines. The slow internet speeds ultimately affected his ratings on platforms like Fiverr. “I rely entirely on freelancing to support my family. These internet issues are making it impossible to commit to deadlines,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, Mawrah Khan, a freelancer, lost a lucrative contract with an international firm. The loss occurred due to connectivity issues during a crucial meeting. “I’ve never felt so helpless. This one disruption has cost me months of hard work,” she lamented.

Government’s Mixed Messages

Adding to the frustration is the clear disconnect between government rhetoric and reality. While ministers tout the potential for 5G technology and faster internet speeds, the current infrastructure struggles to meet basic needs. The contrast is particularly stark. The recent advertisement for an IT city in Punjab was showcased in New York’s Times Square. It promised latest technology and seamless connectivity. Yet freelancers in Pakistan can barely stay online.

The Way Send

As Pakistan grapples with these internet disruptions, the future of its freelancing industry hangs in the balance. The government’s next steps are crucial. They will decide whether Pakistan can keep its status as a key player in the global digital economy. Urgent action is needed to restore reliable internet access and discuss the concerns of the freelance community.

The continued disruptions risk not only individual livelihoods but also the broader economic health of the country. Authorities must rank the restoration of stable internet connectivity. This is essential to safeguard the future of freelancing in Pakistan. It will also prevent a potentially catastrophic blow to the nation’s digital economy.