Digital darkness

Pakistan again plunged into digital darkness as the government imposed internet shutdowns following political protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This has become a regular tool for the government to quell public unrest, with severe consequences for the economy, education, and civil liberties. These shutdowns, often enforced during times of political instability, impact millions of people, isolating the country in a rapidly digitising world.

The impact of internet slowdowns and shutdowns in Pakistan has been particularly devastating for the country’s 2.5 million freelancers. The work of those who rely on international platforms like Upwork and Fiverr has been severely disrupted, with some even getting blocked from these services for using VPNs. Since internet speeds were throttled, many freelancers had no choice but to use VPNs to maintain a usable connection, but this violated the terms and conditions of these platforms, resulting in account suspensions or permanent bans. For these workers, who have few alternative sources of income, this not only meant the loss of critical opportunities but also pushed them deeper into unemployment.

Local businesses relying on digital tools also faced rapid declines in their sales. During past internet shutdowns, Pakistan lost millions of dollars in economic output per day, underscoring the substantial toll on businesses across sectors. The repercussions of such disruptions go beyond immediate economic loss; they damage Pakistan’s reputation as a growing tech hub, discouraging local entrepreneurs and foreign investors who require stable and reliable internet infrastructure to operate. These challenges push more people into the unemployed category, worsening the already fragile economic situation.

The effects of internet shutdowns extend far beyond the immediate loss of access to platforms like Bykea, InDriver, and Foodpanda, where many vulnerable workers rely on digital platforms to make ends meet. These workers often have no other source of income, making the disruption an existential threat to their families’ well-being. The ripple effect begins with workers losing their earnings, but it extends far beyond that. As these delivery and ride-hailing services slow down or shut down completely, restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses that depend on digital platforms to reach customers also suffer. This directly impacts the workers employed by these establishments, from cooks to other staff members, further multiplying the number of people facing income loss.

The decline in services also harms the consumers who depend on these platforms for everyday needs, leaving people unable to access local goods or services. As more businesses are affected, a larger portion of the workforce faces layoffs or reduced hours. This cycle deepens the economic strain, creating a cascading effect that reaches further into the economy. The failure to consider these interconnected challenges during shutdowns reveals a growing disconnect between government actions and the harsh realities faced by the most vulnerable in society.

These disruptions also stifle access to education, as digital platforms have become integral to learning, especially after the pandemic. Students face disruptions during crucial exam periods, and the general public loses access to important information. This gap often fills with misinformation, exacerbating societal divisions and unrest.

Yet, it’s not just the immediate effects that should concern us. The long-term consequences of digital blackouts are equally alarming. As we witness the decline of businesses and livelihoods, we also see a growing erosion of trust in the government’s ability to manage crises. By targeting communication channels and online platforms, the government risks not only economic losses but also the social fabric that holds the nation together. In a time when the global economy is increasingly dependent on digital connectivity, Pakistan is taking a dangerous step backward.

We need a proactive and thoughtful approach to addressing the underlying causes of unrest, not the suppression of economic activity through digital censorship. The government must find ways to manage political dissent without resorting to measures that harm the nation’s future. Rather than shutting down the internet, the focus should be on addressing the root causes of instability and fostering an environment where dialogue and peaceful resolution can flourish. Pakistan’s future is closely tied to its ability to fully embrace the digital age. The cost of remaining in the dark is simply too high.

The writer is founder of Clicknics, and combines his passion for digital marketing with his advocacy for free speech, a free economy, and empowerment of startups within Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.