2024-08-20 02:05:30
New Delhi: Pakistan is going through its worst phase. The economy is already in shambles. Now its internet crisis has deepened. Due to internet shutdown in Pakistan, the IT sector has suffered a loss of 300 million dollars (about 2516 crore rupees). In view of this, the government is planning to install firewalls across the country. Pakistan Software Houses Association (PSHA) has expressed concern due to this firewall. It is feared that this will affect data security and internet speed. PSHA Vice Chairman Khurram Rahat said that due to these recent internet problems, the country’s IT sector has suffered an estimated loss of 300 million dollars.
Petition against firewall
Journalist Hamid Mir has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court against this firewall. He says that this will reduce the speed of the Internet. It will have a negative impact on the youth associated with the digital economy. The Cabinet Secretary, IT Secretary, Interior Secretary, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Human Rights have been made respondents in this petition. A report has been sought from these officials on the effects of the firewall and the installation process.
Freelancers and digital agencies suffer huge losses
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan said that due to the internet shutdown, many freelancers and digital agencies have already suffered a loss of $500 million. This is seriously affecting the Pakistani economy.
On Thursday, users reported problems accessing social media platforms including WhatsApp. Downdetector recorded a surge in complaints about disruptions affecting various internet service providers including PTCL, Zong and Nayatel.
Earlier, PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan had warned that these unresolved internet disruptions could worsen Pakistan’s already struggling economy. This could lead to a sharp decline in IT sector exports.