Pakistan’s IT Sector Urges Urgent Action for 5G Rollout and Internet Stability
Pakistan’s IT industry is calling for immediate government intervention to fast-track the rollout of 5G services and resolve persistent internet connectivity issues. Industry leaders warn that the current challenges, including slow internet speeds and frequent service disruptions, are inflicting significant economic damage and stalling the nation’s progress in the digital economy.
Staggering Economic Losses from Internet Disruptions
A recent report by global internet monitor Top10VPN.com underscored the severity of the situation, revealing that Pakistan suffered the highest global economic losses due to internet outages in 2024. The nation incurred $1.62 billion in economic damage, surpassing even conflict-affected regions like Sudan and Myanmar.
Throughout the year, Pakistan experienced a staggering 9,735 hours of internet disruptions, impacting 82.9 million users. Many of these interruptions were linked to political events, including protests and elections, further complicating the situation.
IT Industry Leaders Demand Infrastructure Overhaul
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has been vocal about the detrimental impact on the technology sector. Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of P@SHA, revealed that Pakistan loses over $1 million per hour during internet shutdowns, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms.
Syed has advocated for:
- Accelerating the 5G spectrum auction scheduled for March 2025.
- Upgrading infrastructure, including the fiber-opticization of cell towers.
- Expanding undersea cable systems to ensure a more reliable connection.
Impact on IT Exports and Freelancers
Despite connectivity challenges, Pakistan’s IT sector has shown resilience, with IT exports reaching $3.2 billion during the 2023-24 fiscal year. However, Syed cautioned that recurring outages threaten the government’s ambitious $15 billion IT export target for the current fiscal year.
The freelance community has been hit particularly hard. Tufail Ahmed Khan, President of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), highlighted that over 2.37 million freelancers face slow internet speeds that hinder their ability to secure global clients.
While Khan praised the National Fiberization Policy introduced in November 2024 for its potential to expand broadband access, he stressed the need for proactive policies to support foreign remittances and reduce dependency on government employment programs.
Global Image and Investment Concerns
Former P@SHA Chairman Zohaib Khan raised concerns about how Pakistan’s international reputation is suffering due to frequent connectivity issues. Reports of nationwide internet shutdowns have discouraged foreign investors and weakened global partnerships, harming the IT sector’s credibility on the world stage.
To mitigate the impact of outages, Khan suggested freelancers and businesses consider co-working spaces equipped with stable, high-speed internet as a temporary solution.
Steps Towards Better Connectivity
Efforts to improve internet stability are underway. The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) recently provided temporary bandwidth to address disruptions caused by a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, a key component of Pakistan’s global internet link.
Looking ahead, Pakistan is preparing to join the 2Africa Submarine Cable System, a high-speed internet project promising bandwidth capacity of up to 180 Tbps. This initiative is expected to significantly improve internet reliability and speed nationwide.
Moreover, the government is exploring satellite internet solutions through talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which could further help bridge the digital divide by offering connectivity in underserved regions.
The Critical Need for 5G Rollout
The IT sector is unified in urging the government to prioritize the 5G rollout and modernize the nation’s digital infrastructure. The transition to 5G technology could transform Pakistan’s connectivity landscape by:
- Enhancing network reliability with faster speeds and reduced latency.
- Supporting more users simultaneously without compromising performance.
- Providing better resilience against service outages during peak usage.
However, achieving the full potential of 5G will require more than just technological upgrades. Regulatory reforms, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and robust maintenance protocols will be critical to ensuring sustainable progress.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Pakistan’s Digital Future
Pakistan stands at a crossroads where decisive action on 5G deployment and internet infrastructure upgrades could propel the nation’s IT sector to new heights. Swift intervention is essential not only to minimize economic losses but also to position Pakistan as a competitive force in the global digital economy.
With a growing tech landscape, a thriving freelance community, and increasing IT exports, ensuring reliable connectivity is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for progress.
