The slowdown and disruptions in internet services have severely impacted the information technology industry in Pakistan, prompting international companies operating in the country to begin relocating various operations abroad. As a result, export growth has plummeted to just 34 per cent.

In the latter half of 2024, users in Pakistan frequently faced slow internet speeds, challenges in downloading media on WhatsApp, and inconsistent connectivity.

Digital analysts noted that the government had been testing a “firewall” to monitor certain platforms and restrict access to specific content. While the government denied throttling internet services, it stated that it was upgrading a ‘web management system’ to improve cybersecurity.

A recent report by Top10VPN.com, an independent VPN reviewer, highlighted that Pakistan experienced the highest financial losses globally due to internet outages and social media app shutdowns last year, amounting to a staggering $1.62 billion in total economic impact.

Amidst this, WhatsApp has moved its session server routing outside of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed the transfer, stating that the shift of WhatsApp’s content delivery network abroad has caused difficulties for users in maintaining connectivity.

In 2021, Pakistan’s export growth was at 47%, but it dropped to just 24% last year.

IT expert Nighat Dad has warned that if the situation of internet slowdowns persists, many more IT companies may be forced to relocate abroad.

Individuals connected to such industries have expressed their distress, with online taxi drivers and other riders feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

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The PTA has completed its investigation into the internet slowdown and telecom operators have identified various issues on social media platforms. The increasing use of VPNs has added extra strain on bandwidth, emphasising the need to enhance bandwidth to meet internet demand, it added.

Earlier this week, digital rights activist Usama Khilji slammed the government for the internet shutdown, saying that it would not be able to achieve its target of trillion-dollar information technology exports if such actions are taken.

“This joke about the internet being good won’t last long,” he said while appearing on the Aaj News programme Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir on Tuesday.