No internet

Pakistan has a unique opportunity to market itself as a destination for those curious about life in a pre-digital era. With our authorities seemingly treating the internet as a dispensable luxury, perhaps it’s time to turn this rigidity into a moneymaking initiative. Since Saturday night (November 23), internet users have struggled with connectivity, particularly in Punjab, where WhatsApp services were significantly disrupted. Users were unable to share media files or make voice calls, and demand for VPNs tripled, though with limited success. This disruption was reportedly a pre-emptive measure to counter potential escalations from PTI’s protest in Islamabad. However, what this episode has showcased to the world is Pakistan’s fragile internet infrastructure and its self-sabotaging approach to being seen as a viable tech destination. While temporary internet suspensions aren’t uncommon globally, our authorities fail to recognise the deeper implications. The internet isn’t just a convenience; it’s a livelihood for many. Freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses rely on stable connectivity to meet deadlines, communicate with international clients, and ensure a steady income. Interruptions like this don’t just tarnish the government’s already unsteady reputation but also inflict economic damage. When platforms detect consistent disruptions in a country, they flag freelancers from that region, cautioning clients about potential unreliability. This impacts the credibility of Pakistan’s hardworking individuals and diminishes their opportunities in the global marketplace.

The bigger question is: for how long will this continue? It’s time for all political parties and their supporters to recognise the damage these tactics inflict on the country. The cycle of protests and partial shutdowns is unsustainable. We’ve already endured the consequences of such policies in the 2000s, during the ‘war on terror’. Those years robbed us of the chance to cultivate a robust IT sector, stalling our progress as the world rapidly embraced the digital age. Now, as we strive to recover and grow, our authorities seem intent on stifling a sector brimming with potential. Neighbouring countries have leveraged the internet to uplift their socio-economic conditions, while we remain shackled by shortsighted policies and political strife. The internet, a 21st-century wonder, is being treated as a liability rather than an asset.

Democracy thrives on protests and dissent, but these must be constructive, not destructive. Protests should amplify voices and demands, not lead to chaos that paralyses the state. The relentless game of power politics must not come at the cost of national stability and progress. It’s time for all stakeholders to prioritise the country over their agendas and ensure that Pakistan doesn’t squander the opportunities of a connected world.