Pakistan is facing serious economic damage due to frequent internet shutdowns, according to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI).
These internet blackouts are hurting the country’s economy, causing a direct loss of 0.57 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which amounts to Rs1.3 billion.
In developing countries like Pakistan, internet access is key to improving public services and helping businesses compete globally.
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However, recent events suggest that Pakistan is falling behind in its efforts to advance its digital infrastructure. For example, a major internet shutdown in August 2023 caused e-commerce businesses to lose 30 per cent of their revenue.
Although over 58 per cent of Pakistan’s population can access mobile internet networks, many people still haven’t subscribed to these services.
