Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), has expressed deep concern over ongoing issues with slow internet connectivity and limited access to social media applications. Despite assurances that internet service would normalize following the installation of a safety firewall, the problems persist, significantly impacting various business operations. Sheikh revealed that the KCCI has been inundated with complaints from member firms struggling to connect with clients both domestically and internationally, particularly via WhatsApp.
He noted that despite regular communication with telecommunication service providers, who promised improvements, the connectivity issues continue and appear to be protracted. Sheikh highlighted the detrimental effects of these connectivity problems, noting that businesses are unable to obtain quotes or necessary documentation from international vendors and buyers, potentially leading to severe financial losses.
“While it’s challenging to quantify the exact losses at this moment, the ongoing delays are expected to result in significant financial repercussions,” he said. Freelancers in the IT sector, who work remotely for foreign companies from Pakistan, are also facing substantial difficulties due to the slow restoration of internet services. Sheikh emphasized that in the digital age, such delays are unacceptable and adversely affect Pakistan’s global image.
He urged the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to address the issue urgently and restore full internet connectivity to prevent further financial losses and negative international perceptions. Sheikh stressed that Pakistan’s freelancers and IT professionals, crucial for earning foreign exchange, must have uninterrupted access to the basic resources needed to perform their work effectively.
