Internet Slowdown in Pakistan: Freelancers and Businesses Struggle
Islamabad, Pakistan – A recent report has highlighted the challenges faced by people in Pakistan due to a significant internet slowdown. Digital researchers and analysts suggest this may be an attempt by the government to stifle dissent.
Impact on Freelancers
Shafi Naeem, a freelance software designer from Karachi, has been unable to upload websites he is working on. Clients have sent him WhatsApp voice notes and photos that would not download, frustrating his efforts. Naeem estimates that he has already lost more than half of his roughly $4,000 monthly income. “Our work depends on fast, reliable internet,” he said.
Nationwide Disruptions
Across Pakistan, internet speeds have slowed significantly, causing anger and raising suspicions that the government is testing a new firewall-like system to monitor and control the internet. The government has denied any involvement, blaming the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) for straining the networks.
Economic Consequences
The Pakistan Software Houses Association warned that the disruptions could cost Pakistan’s economy up to $300 million. The Pakistan Freelancers Association also cautioned that ongoing issues could lead to Pakistan being downgraded on online freelancing platforms.
Government and Military Response
Pakistani authorities claim they are upgrading their systems to improve cybersecurity. However, digital researchers believe the slow speeds are due to efforts to control the digital space, potentially curbing free speech and civil liberties. Usama Khilji, director of the digital rights watchdog Bolo Bhi, noted that the new system appears to allow authorities to target and block specific components of mobile apps.
Broader Crackdown
These allegations come amid a broader government-led crackdown on supporters of the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Military leaders have a history of arresting opposition figures and occasionally shutting down the internet to suppress dissent. Recently, military officials have begun using the term “digital terrorism” and have vowed to defeat those they claim are attempting to sow discord in the country.
General Asim Munir, the army’s chief, suggested in a speech that there are limits to free speech in Pakistan and accused foreign powers of inciting “digital terrorism.”
Doubts Revealed
Internet Slowdown -: Internet slowdown means that the internet is working very slowly, making it hard for people to use it for work or fun.
Freelancers -: Freelancers are people who work for themselves and not for a company. They often do jobs like designing, writing, or programming from home.
Businesses -: Businesses are companies or shops that sell things or services to people. They need the internet to talk to customers and sell their products.
Shafi Naeem -: Shafi Naeem is a person who works as a freelance software designer. He makes computer programs and designs for different clients.
Government denies involvement -: This means that the government says it is not responsible for the internet slowdown. They are saying it is not their fault.
VPNs -: VPNs are tools that help people use the internet more privately and securely. They can make it look like you are using the internet from a different place.
Digital researchers -: Digital researchers are people who study how the internet and technology work. They try to understand why things happen online.
Control the internet -: Controlling the internet means trying to decide what people can see and do online. It can involve blocking websites or slowing down the internet.
$300 million -: $300 million is a lot of money. It is the amount of money that Pakistan’s economy might lose because of the slow internet.
Crackdown on dissent -: A crackdown on dissent means the government is trying to stop people from speaking out against it. They might arrest people or shut down websites.
Military officials -: Military officials are people who work for the army. They have important jobs and make decisions about security and defense.
Digital terrorism -: Digital terrorism is a term used by military officials to describe online activities they think are dangerous or against the government.
