ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s freelancing community has been grappling with frequent internet services disruptions and slow speeds over the past month, causing concerns among freelancers and IT professionals, who fear the negative impact on their livelihoods and the broader economy.
The recent surge in internet disruptions has been particularly detrimental to those relying on online platforms for their income. Warda Noor, founder of xWave, shared insights into the challenges faced by freelancers, especially those in rural areas.
In an interview, Noor highlighted how the slowdown has affected IT education initiatives and hindered the ability of young freelancers to secure online work. “Students learning freelancing to support themselves are losing hope due to the unreliable internet,” Noor stated. She expressed concern over how freelancers who depend on mobile data are facing the most severe disruptions, putting their income and household expenses at risk.
The issue has drawn attention from prominent figures in the IT sector, including Irfan Malik, CEO of Xeven Solutions. Malik stressed the crucial role of IT and freelancing in Pakistan’s economy, noting that slow internet speeds are eroding client trust.
“The slow internet is damaging our reputation with clients. Losing clients can have long-term negative effects,” Malik warned.
The economic implications of these internet issues are profound. With a growing number of freelancers and IT professionals relying on stable internet connections for their work, the current situation threatens not only individual incomes but also the broader economic stability of the sector.
