Pakistani Businesses Warn of Internet Disruptions Amid Fears of 'Firewall' Censorship

Pakistani businesses say internet disruptions this month have harmed their businesses [non-paywalled link] and unsettled investors at a time when the country is counting on the information technology sector to help break a cycle of economic crises and bailouts. From a report: The warnings from executives, investors and a leading IT organisation come as internet watchdogs have reported a marked slowdown in connection speeds and service interruptions to applications such as WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging platform that is widely used in the country. Nadeem Elahi, managing director for TRG, a venture capital firm that operates Pakistan's biggest outsourcing services provider, said internet connectivity was "by far the worst it has been in the last 12 months." "If we want to be a global business processing operation destination, then 100 per cent reliable connectivity is essential for customers," he said, estimating that the quality of connection had degraded by 30 to 40 per cent. Technology is one of Pakistan's few standout sectors, and Islamabad is relying on software developers and IT freelancers to help lift the country out of a chronic foreign exchange rut that has sent it to the IMF for support two dozen times. IT exports rose 24 per cent to $3.2bn, an all-time high, in the 12 months to the end of June, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.

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