RESTRICTONS of the internet in Pakistan may give short-term dividends politically but could cause economic instability in the long run, Daniel Castro, vice president of US-based Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) cautioned on Thursday, November 14, Pakistani media reports said.
Castro, who was speaking to newspersons at a session organized by the American Embassy in Islamabad, called Pakistan’s approach to censoring the internet a “puzzle” and “an anomaly”, especially at a time when it is undergoing digital transformation. The ITIF official also said the shutdowns result in huge economic losses.
While acknowledging Pakistan’s sovereignty, Castro urged the country’s government to take into account the long-term economic benefits that internet freedom brings, against short-term political benefits.
He countered arguments in favor of shutdowns that cite political stability or control, saying economic stability that such shutdowns affect is more important than the temporary gains.
A digital economy disconnecting itself
Pointing out the contradiction of a nation trying to be a digital economy and disrupting its internet access, Castro said it is an anomaly to see a leading digital economy allowing actions that cause harm to itself by disconnecting people.
He also spoke about several studies that have demonstrated how connectivity boosts economic growth, trade, better wages and employment opportunities. Castro also showed how the internet is central to digital services, an area that the South Asian nation has identified as a key area of growth.
Freelancers, women entrepreneurs suffering
Explaining how internet restrictions are affecting Pakistan’s economic functioning, Castro said they hurt gig and online workers as they struggle to deliver work or attend meetings, and lose income. Many people are considering leaving the country for better internet facilities.
He also said women entrepreneurs were also facing challenges as the banning of platforms such as X limited their ability to reach clients, which impacted their revenues. Castro said it is a big issue which often goes unnoticed.
He also said that major global firms, including those associated with artificial intelligence, are scouting for talent hubs and Pakistan could fail to attract potential investments because of internet shutdowns.
“Countries that fail to maintain connectivity risk losing out on international investment and becoming less attractive as innovation hubs,” Castro said, according to a report by Pakistan’s Profit business magazine.
Pakistan often witnesses political instability and internet services are clamped down upon whenever there are serious protests.
It seems concerns prevail among Pakistan’s ruling coalition as well. Bilawal Bhutto, chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, has said that the current Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz-led coalition government did not consult his party while deciding on internet slowdown. According to media reports, he rued that despite Pakistan having 4G services, its internet’s speed remained stuck in the 1990s.
South Asians Globally
