Fractured Connectivity

Author: Zamur Hafeez

“This has been an absolute nightmare. What have common citizens done to deserve this menace? In the midst of political chaos, it is always the common man who suffers,” said Aqdas Jaffer in frustration following the recent nationwide internet disruptions.

These disruptions have made it nearly impossible for people to carry out basic tasks such as accessing work-related documents, connecting with others, or even coordinating simple activities like booking a ride.

The frustration is not limited to office workers. Almost every sector – students, business owners, and service providers – has been adversely affected. The internet services have remained erratic, plagued by slow speeds and severe disruptions in messaging apps like WhatsApp, where even uploading voice notes or sharing pictures has turned into an ordeal. This issue has persisted throughout the month, impacting thousands and creating significant hurdles in communication and daily operations.

In Karachi, a city known for its service-sector-driven economy and high degree of social and economic integration, the situation has reached a breaking point. Despite its status as an economic hub, the city is grappling with frequent outages and connectivity failures. These issues appear to be linked to the ongoing protests by supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who have been marching towards Islamabad, the capital. The resulting political unrest has led to blackouts, creating a ripple effect that has worsened connectivity nationwide.

Pakistan’s reliance on digital services for commerce, education, and transportation means that internet outages are not just a technical problem-they are a national crisis.

This is not the first time such disruptions have occurred. In August, similar connectivity issues arose, prompting the Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, to order the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to submit a report. Despite this, there has been no significant improvement. The lack of accountability and long-term solutions has left citizens questioning whether the government is taking this issue seriously.

For cities like Karachi and Islamabad, where transportation systems and other essential services heavily rely on the internet, the impact has been devastating. Neha, a 23-year-old medical student at Baqai Medical University, expressed her frustration: “I cannot afford to miss my classes, but commuting has become such a headache. I used to book a rickshaw every morning through an app, but now, with the internet down, I either can’t book a ride or have to pay two to three times more than usual. I’m afraid things will only get worse from here.”

This lack of internet connectivity is not just an inconvenience; it has serious economic implications. Khuda Barsh, a Yango driver, shared his plight: “I haven’t been able to get even five rides since yesterday. If I accept a ride, the app either crashes, or the map doesn’t load properly. It’s so frustrating. I don’t know when this will end.” For drivers like Khuda, whose livelihoods depend on reliable internet, these disruptions are a matter of survival.

The broader impact of this “fractured connectivity” is evident in its effect on the country’s economy. Pakistan’s reliance on digital services for commerce, education, and transportation means that internet outages are not just a technical problem-they are a national crisis. Short-term solutions will not suffice; there needs to be a holistic approach to addressing the underlying causes of these disruptions.

The government must act decisively to ensure that such crises are not repeated. Providing temporary relief may appease citizens momentarily, but the long-term consequences of neglecting internet infrastructure and security will have far-reaching effects on individuals and the economy. For Pakistan to move forward, it must prioritize connectivity as an essential service, safeguarding it from political and social upheavals.

As the country continues to face mounting challenges, restoring and stabilizing internet services should be at the forefront of the government’s agenda. Without reliable connectivity, the daily lives of millions and the overall economic health of the nation remain at risk.

The writer is a freelance columnist.

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