In an era where digital connectivity is the backbone of global economies, Pakistan’s frequent internet disruptions have become a troubling trend, casting a shadow over the country’s economic prospects and governance credibility. While officials cite technical issues and national security concerns as justifications for these disruptions, critics argue that the underlying motive is far more troubling: a calculated effort to control political narratives and suppress dissent.
The economic toll of these disruptions is staggering. According to a 2024 report by Top10VPN.com, Pakistan suffered 9,735 hours of internet disruptions, affecting 82.9 million users and causing financial losses of $1.62 billion. This marks a sharp rise from 2023, when internet shutdowns lasted 259 hours and incurred losses of $237.6 million. These figures place Pakistan among the top nations suffering economic setbacks due to digital restrictions, highlighting a crisis that goes beyond mere technical shortcomings.
The government’s explanations for these interruptions often revolve around technical glitches, such as submarine cable damage or heavy internet traffic. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), for instance, attributed a recent slowdown to a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) subsea cable near Qatar. Similarly, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division, Syed Sajid Mehdi, blamed internet congestion and limited fiber optic capacity. Comparing Pakistan’s infrastructure to India’s, he claimed Pakistan’s fiber network operates at only 15% capacity compared to India’s 45%. While such justifications might hold some merit, they fail to address the frequency and timing of these disruptions, which often coincide with politically sensitive events.
Take, for example, the contentious general election of February 2024. Amid allegations of rigging and widespread protests, the government blocked access to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), claiming the platform had violated local laws. Similar shutdowns have occurred during protests, high-profile court cases, and rallies, fueling suspicions that these measures are less about technical failures or national security and more about stifling dissent and controlling the narrative. Digital analysts have also pointed to the government’s implementation of a “national firewall,” akin to China’s Great Firewall, which allows authorities to monitor and block content, further raising concerns about surveillance and censorship.
The repercussions of these actions extend far beyond the political sphere. Pakistan’s IT sector, a rare success story in an otherwise struggling economy, is bearing the brunt of these disruptions. In the fiscal year ending June 2024, the sector achieved exports worth $3.2 billion, a 24% increase from the previous year. Yet this growth is now under threat. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) warned that the firewall and subsequent disruptions could lead to additional economic losses of up to $300 million. Ali Ihsan, senior vice chairman of P@SHA, described the situation as a potential “complete meltdown of business operations,” jeopardizing the country’s reputation as an IT outsourcing hub.
The IT industry isn’t the only casualty. Startups, e-commerce platforms, banking services, and even educational institutions have reported significant setbacks due to internet disruptions. The lack of stable and reliable internet access hampers productivity, delays project timelines, and strains relationships with international clients. This domino effect has made digital restrictions one of the most significant barriers to Pakistan’s economic growth. For startups, which rely heavily on connectivity to attract funding and reach customers, these disruptions could spell disaster, undermining years of progress in building a digital economy.
Despite the evident economic harm, the government shows little inclination to change course. Officials argue that national security takes precedence over economic concerns, claiming that these measures are essential to curb misinformation, prevent anti-state activities, and maintain law and order. Yet, this rationale appears increasingly hollow in the face of mounting criticism from rights activists, industry leaders, and international observers. Many argue that the government’s actions reflect a lack of professionalism and a failure to grasp the long-term implications of such measures. By prioritizing short-term political stability over sustainable economic growth, the leadership risks alienating both domestic and international stakeholders.
The political motivations behind these shutdowns are difficult to ignore. The timing of disruptions—often coinciding with elections, protests, or public demonstrations—suggests a deliberate strategy to manage unrest and suppress dissenting voices. Critics argue that these measures undermine democratic values and erode public trust in the government. The opacity surrounding the implementation of the national firewall has only deepened these concerns. For instance, reports suggest that the firewall was introduced without meaningful public consultation, raising questions about accountability and oversight. The lack of transparency has fueled suspicions of data privacy violations and surveillance, further damaging the government’s credibility.
Internationally, Pakistan’s frequent internet shutdowns are seen as a significant setback in its efforts to integrate into the global digital economy. Stable and reliable internet access is a prerequisite for attracting foreign investment and fostering international collaborations. Prolonged disruptions risk painting Pakistan as an unreliable partner, deterring investors and reducing the country’s competitiveness in the global market. This is particularly concerning at a time when Pakistan is grappling with economic challenges such as soaring inflation, dwindling foreign reserves, and a mounting fiscal deficit. The economic losses caused by these digital restrictions could further strain an already fragile economy, pushing the country deeper into financial turmoil.
The government’s handling of the issue has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Rights groups have condemned the use of internet shutdowns as a violation of fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information. Industry representatives have called for an immediate halt to these measures, urging the government to engage in constructive dialogue to develop a balanced cybersecurity framework. Yet, the leadership’s response has been dismissive at best. Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi’s suggestion that people “use the internet less” to avoid slowdowns epitomizes the government’s tone-deaf approach. Such remarks reflect a troubling disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by businesses and citizens.
The road ahead requires a fundamental shift in priorities. Pakistan’s leadership must recognize that economic stability and national security are not mutually exclusive. A more balanced approach—one that addresses security concerns without compromising economic growth—is essential to ensure the country’s long-term prosperity. This will require significant investments in digital infrastructure, greater transparency in decision-making processes, and a commitment to upholding democratic values. Without these measures, Pakistan risks falling further behind in the race to build a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s frequent internet disruptions are symptomatic of deeper governance issues. While the government’s concerns about security are valid, its heavy-handed approach reflects a lack of foresight and professionalism. The economic and social costs of these measures far outweigh any potential security benefits, leaving the country’s digital and economic future in jeopardy. It is high time for the leadership to rise above political expediencies and adopt a more nuanced and responsible approach to tackling this critical issue. Only then can Pakistan hope to unlock its full economic potential and regain the trust of its citizens and global partners.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
