Pakistan has been thrust into what many are calling the “digital Stone Age” after being ranked second globally for the longest duration of internet shutdowns in 2024, with a staggering total of 1,861 hours of connectivity disruptions. This grim statistic places Pakistan only behind Myanmar, a country that has been grappling with its own set of political and internet freedom issues.
The data, compiled by Top10VPN, an organization that tracks internet disruptions worldwide, reveals a stark picture of Pakistan’s digital landscape. These shutdowns have not only left millions of Pakistanis disconnected but have also had profound economic repercussions, with an estimated loss of $351 million to the nation’s economy. This figure is second only to Myanmar in terms of financial impact from internet restrictions this year.
The scale of these disruptions is particularly alarming, affecting nearly 83 million users, which accounts for over 40% of the top 15 most vulnerable countries to internet shutdowns. This year alone, Pakistan witnessed a 619% increase in the duration of internet shutdowns compared to 2023, when the total was 259 hours, catapulting the nation five places up in the global rankings from seventh to second.
The economic toll has been significant, with the Pakistan Software House Association estimating a loss of $1 million for every hour of internet outage. This disruption has severely impacted various sectors, from e-commerce to banking, not to mention the daily activities of citizens who rely on internet access for work, education, and communication.
The reasons behind these shutdowns vary, but they are often linked to political events, such as elections where internet services were curtailed to allegedly prevent vote manipulation or to quell dissent. Critics argue that these actions are not only detrimental to the economy but also infringe upon the fundamental rights of Pakistanis, including freedom of expression and the right to information.
There’s also a growing concern about the brain drain, as young, tech-savvy individuals find fewer incentives to remain in a country where digital infrastructure frequently falters. This situation is compounded by the fact that even when the internet is available, the quality of service is subpar, with average download speeds of only 22MBps, lagging behind many of its regional neighbors.
The global community and various human rights organizations have voiced concerns over these developments. The U.S. State Department has condemned such internet shutdowns in Pakistan, urging the government to lift restrictions to foster a more open and democratic society.
As Pakistan stands at this digital crossroads, the question remains: how will the government address this issue, and what steps will be taken to ensure that Pakistan does not remain in the “digital Stone Age” for long? The answer to this will not only shape the country’s digital future but also its economic and social development in the years to come.
