The extended periods of internet shutdowns forced many people to contemplate the effects these had/would have on businesses and the economy in general. Most of the companies, in fact, the most affected were the ones whose operations entailed a lot of web-based trading and internet, more so communications.Small business owners like those who run e-commerce stores or digital marketing services also suffered a lot because they were unable to reach out to customers or even process payments.
Challenges Faced by Common Citizens
Moreover, the absence of internet services impacted learners and working professionals at their homes as many could not participate in online classes or virtual meetings. In the last couple of years, the internet has become an integral part of education and the working environment and the lack of connectivity brought a lot of difficulties regarding completing tasks within a time limit.
Demand for Transparency and Clear Justifications
The decision to suspend services has attracted adverse public opinion due to poor communication. Social media users demanded clarity and questioned the necessity and randomness of the shutdowns. Many such campaigns, like those run by digital rights advocacy groups, equally supported the notion of the government’s engagement in a more open framework without censorship and reasonable explanations to the public every time there are service cuts.
Potential Long-term Consequences
Internet blackouts periodically resorted to, for instance, as political oppression, typically do no good to the international image of Pakistan, and this may, to some extent, produce some very adverse effects in the near future. Such routine activities would put off potential clients or investors from the country and affect its emergent technology industry. The perception of the country having an unreliable communication system is likely to hinder efforts by the country to be viewed as an IT services centre. It could discourage foreign companies from setting up business in the country.
Recommendation
The recent phenomenon of internet blackouts across Pakistan due to some deliberate and overloaded systems as security measures have adversely affected the lives of people, economy and even industries.
