Daily Times

In today’s world, the Internet is an indispensable tool for education, communication, business, and innovation. From metropolitan cities to remote villages, people rely on high-speed internet and modern communication tools to connect with global markets, enhance their skills, and improve their lives.

For developing nations like Pakistan, where economic challenges are severe and unemployment is rampant, the Internet offers a crucial lifeline, especially for the youth. However, current government actions to impose internet restrictions have disrupted lives, stifled freedoms, and jeopardized the country’s promising IT sector.

Pakistan’s economy heavily depends on its IT sector, which is brimming with talent and potential. The country boasts over 300,000 English-proficient IT professionals, and 13 software technology parks, and produces more than 20,000 IT graduates annually. Freelancers, small businesses, and startups have leveraged platforms like PayPal, Etsy, Amazon, and global e-commerce websites to connect with international markets and sustain their ventures.

With unemployment at an all-time high, the Internet enables thousands of young professionals to work as independent contractors for overseas companies. This arrangement not only provides livelihoods but also boosts Pakistan’s economy through foreign remittances. Unfortunately, government-imposed restrictions on internet access, either slow down or interrupted for several hours every day, and communication tools like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook have put these opportunities at risk, leaving many out of jobs.

In the past two weeks alone, internet speeds across Pakistan have dropped by 40 percent, and access to virtual private networks (VPNs) has been restricted. These measures have disrupted businesses, delayed IT projects, and severed connections with international clients. The impact is particularly devastating for freelancers who rely on uninterrupted access to global platforms for their income.

E-commerce platforms, essential for small-scale manufacturers and entrepreneurs, have also been affected. The inability to access these platforms has resulted in a loss of revenue, compounding the financial woes of businesses already struggling due to the country’s unstable economic climate.

The Internet is not just an economic enabler – it is a fundamental right. Blocking access to information and communication tools undermines freedom of expression, curtails self-expression, and isolates communities. Pakistani expatriates, who rely on these platforms to stay connected with their families, have expressed frustration and concern over the situation.

Pakistan’s growing political instability and economic hardships have triggered a mass exodus of skilled professionals. According to official statistics, over 765,000 Pakistanis, including highly educated individuals such as doctors, engineers, and IT specialists, left the country in 2022. This represents a 300 percent increase compared to the previous year, signalling a severe brain drain. The trend has continued unabated, with thousands more leaving in subsequent years.

This loss of talent is a significant setback for a nation with immense potential to become a global leader in technology and innovation. Instead of creating opportunities for its citizens, Pakistan’s government has pursued policies that drive its brightest minds away.

The potential of Pakistan’s IT sector remains immense. As the fifth-most populous country globally and Asia’s fourth-most populous nation, Pakistan has the workforce and talent to become a leading player in the global tech industry. However, this potential can only be realized if the government prioritizes restoring internet access, lifting unnecessary restrictions, and fostering a supportive environment for businesses and professionals.

The Internet is more than just a tool; it is a gateway to opportunity, a platform for self-expression, and a cornerstone of modern life.

For Pakistan to thrive, its leaders must recognize the transformative power of connectivity and embrace it as a force for good.

The writer is a Sydney-based journalist, analyst, writer and author. Email: shassan@tribune-intl.com.