TELECOM Operators Association has raised serious concerns over the recent internet throttling and blockage of social media platforms in Pakistan. The letter, received by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman vehemently opposed the social media blackout.
Apart from causing inconvenience to the people, the closure of internet and social media platforms serve no purpose but only hurts the country’s global image. At a time when the government aims to position the nation as a prominent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub, such actions send a conflicting message and can cause setbacks to its aspirations. The global community closely monitors the digital freedom and openness of a country and any restrictions on social media could discourage foreign companies from considering Pakistan as a viable location for their investments and operations. The thriving IT sector in Pakistan, which has witnessed significant growth in recent years, may suffer severe consequences due to the social media blackout. Companies operating within the country may reconsider their presence and contemplate moving their operations elsewhere. This, in turn, could undermine the government’s efforts to attract investment and hinder the overall economic development fuelled by the technology sector.
In addition to the broader economic impact, the closure of social media platforms affects thousands of youths across Pakistan who rely on these platforms for their livelihood. Over the last few years, social media has become a significant source of income for freelancers and entrepreneurs, contributing substantially to the country’s economy. According to the Online Labour Index, Pakistan is ranked as the 3rd most popular country for freelancing, highlighting the importance of the digital economy in the country. When social media platforms are abruptly shut down, it disrupts the work and livelihood of many individuals, impacting their financial stability. The government should take into account the fact that a thriving digital economy contributes significantly to the overall economic growth and stability of the nation. Hence better sense should prevail and we need to avoid such sort of actions that have far reaching consequences and as stated by the telecom companies can impede the technological progress.
