Digital dystopia

Sending a simple WhatsApp message, browsing the internet or even accessing websites has become an everyday ordeal for 240 million Pakistanis. As the nation continues to grapple with throttled internet speeds, our digital ecosystem and the economy face an existential crisis. One hopes that those in power had the vision to make Orwell fiction again.

Pakistan’s internet ranking is a striking reflection of this predicament. The country currently ranks 198th globally in internet speed, lagging behind even war-torn Palestine and Libya. Despite the outcry from different stakeholders and even the Lahore High Court’s demand for an actionable response, the government's silence on the matter is disappointing. The apathy of the authorities is an indicator of governance failure that could potentially endanger pushing the country into digital obscurity.

Internet throttling is no longer a mere inconvenience but an economic crisis. The financial repercussions are monumental: telecom operators apprehend estimated annual losses of Rs12 billion due to slow internet speeds. Some estimates place the losses at $1 million per hour, while other industry experts estimate cumulative damages to exceed $300 million annually. IT exports, currently valued at $3.2 billion, are at risk of stagnation, making the government’s $15 billion target seem increasingly unrealistic. The $5 billion e-commerce sector may soon struggle to function effectively, while hundreds of thousands of freelancers already face operational disruptions and have lost access to freelancing platforms that threaten their livelihoods and client trust.

The numbers just reveal only part of the problem. A prolonged slowdown erodes the credibility of Pakistan’s IT sector on the global stage, diminishing its competitiveness in an interconnected world. With more IT firms relocating abroad, Pakistan faces the threat of a ‘mass exodus’ of tech talent and foreign investment, serving a blow to its nascent tech industry and hence the broader economy.

The ramifications extend beyond economic setbacks. Internet slowdowns and restricting access to platforms like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are an infringement upon digital rights as the world witnesses the fourth Industrial Revolution. The internet is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for quality education, effective communication, and access to information. These restrictions amount to a form of digital dystopia, where citizens are denied access to critical information and freedom of expression and where dissent is stifled.

For scores of Pakistan’s freelancers, students, and businesses, reliable internet access is a necessity. Yet they’re bereft of this lifeline and are forced to navigate through a digital landscape overshadowed by political whims and a lack of coherent policy. The result? Surging frustration and plummeting incomes and hopes.

The decision to throttle internet speeds reflects a lack of foresight. Similarly, ascribing VPN usage for connectivity slowdowns or seeking outright bans shows a sheer misunderstanding of how the digital world functions. VPNs are not the problem, but rather a solution for individuals and businesses circumventing arbitrary restrictions.

Digital disruptions and restrictions stifle innovation and entrepreneurship, two key drivers of economic progress and prosperity. While progressive countries are investing in building robust, globally competitive digital ecosystems, Pakistan risks marginalisation in the very sectors that could revolutionise its economy.

The government must take long decisive measures to mitigate the crisis and to prevent further hardships. First and foremost, internet speeds need to be not only restored, but improved, followed by making the internet reliable, and putting an end to disruptions caused due to political interference and security concerns.

Expanding broadband connectivity, upgrading undersea cables (and making them shark-proof), and supporting IT firms and freelancers are also critical steps. Data from over the last three years has shown that for every dollar that the government invests in improving market access, the return is an astounding $49. This investment needs to be increased. And finally, connectivity must be recognised as a fundamental right, indispensable for national development and international influence.

Pakistan’s progress in global IT and e-commerce depends on prompt and bold steps. The livelihoods of millions are contingent upon the capacity of the government to prioritise digital access and recognise its importance in shaping the nation’s future trajectory.

Internet throttling is not merely a technical problem but a grave threat to Pakistan’s economic stability, democratic space, and international standing. As the world transforms digitally, Pakistan cannot afford to lag in the digital slow lane. Will we rise above the firewalls or will we be consumed by them?

The writer is currently leading innovation and entrepreneurship programmes at one of the largest education networks in the country.

He tweets/posts @syedaliaqa and can be reached at: syed.a.aqa@gmail.com