Internet outages: A potential threat to Pakistan’s digital future

By Sajida Tajik

Pakistan is facing a grave crisis in the form of internet outages, which is severely impacting students, writers, researchers and professionals across the board. This recurring issue, where internet services are suspended or slowed down, for whatever reason that may be, has become a major obstacle in the way to online learning, research and productivity.

By suspending internet services, the nation and its economy are also suffering a massive loss that runs into billions. Such disruptions not only affect communication but also cripple businesses, hinder financial transactions and impact Pakistan’s standing in the comity of nations.

The plight of students

For students, internet suspension is a nightmare. Online classes, assignments, and research work are severely hampered due to slow internet speeds and connectivity issues. This often results in poor academic performance, delayed submissions, and a lack of access to vital educational resources. Pakistani students are already at a disadvantage compared to their international peers; internet load shedding exacerbates this issue.

Challenges for writers and researchers

Writers and researchers in Pakistan face significant obstacles due to frequent internet outages. Data collection, a critical component of research, is severely impaired by slow internet speeds. Publishing research papers and articles is delayed, and international collaborations are hindered. The lack of reliable internet access hampers the ability to conduct thorough research, compromising the quality of work.

Impact on professionals

Professionals in Pakistan, particularly those in the IT sector, face significant challenges due to internet outages. Online meetings and conferences get disrupted, and data sharing and collaboration are hindered. Productivity and efficiency suffer, leading to missed deadlines and lost opportunities.

Consequences for Pakistan’s economy

The consequences of internet services disruption extend beyond individual users, affecting Pakistan’s economy as a whole. The country’s digital infrastructure is inadequate, deterring foreign investment and hindering economic growth. Pakistan’s ranking in the Global Digital Economy Index is dismal, reflecting the country’s poor digital infrastructure.

Government intervention

To address this crisis, the government must take immediate action:

1. Upgrade Pakistan’s internet infrastructure

2. Increase investment in digital connectivity

3. Regulate service providers to ensure minimum standards

4. Develop contingency plans for internet outages

Additionally, the government should:

1. Provide subsidies for low-income students to access reliable internet.

2. Establish internet-enabled learning centers in underserved areas.

3. Promote digital literacy programs.

Way forward

Pakistan’s digital future depends on the government’s ability to address internet suspension. The private sector, civil society, and individuals must also play a role in advocating. –

The writer is LLM scholar at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)