Pakistan Freelancers Struggle as Slow Internet Disrupts Digital Economy

The slow internet is affecting millions of freelancers in Pakistan. Across the country, digital workers are struggling to stay productive as unstable connections interrupt daily tasks. This ongoing issue is not just a minor inconvenience. It is putting real pressure on the country’s growing digital economy.

Freelancers and gig workers rely on steady, high-speed internet to meet deadlines and serve global clients. However, slow speeds and frequent outages are making it harder to compete. As a result, many professionals are seeing a drop in performance and client satisfaction. At the same time, internet disruptions combined with electricity load shedding are making remote work even more difficult.

In the middle of these challenges, the Pakistan Freelancers Association has stepped forward to raise serious concerns. PAFLA has urged the government and internet service providers to ensure uninterrupted connectivity nationwide. The association believes that stable internet is critical for economic growth in the digital age.

Speaking on the issue, PAFLA CEO Ibrahim Amin said that slow internet speeds are directly hurting freelancers. He explained that poor connectivity is damaging Pakistan’s global freelance rankings and weakening its professional reputation. According to him, ongoing submarine cable repairs have also reduced internet speed and quality across the country.

Moreover, the impact goes beyond freelancers. Ride-hailing drivers and food delivery workers are also facing income losses due to unreliable internet services. This shows how deeply connectivity issues are affecting multiple sectors of the digital economy.

To address the problem, Ibrahim Amin suggested that the government should explore satellite internet solutions. He noted that satellite-based systems can provide backup during submarine cable faults and help maintain consistent service. This step could reduce downtime and improve overall reliability.

According to the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan ranks among the top freelancing countries with over 2.3 million freelancers. Despite current challenges, the sector has contributed $800 million in foreign exchange. This highlights its importance to the national economy.

At the same time, the freelancing workforce continues to grow. Thousands of new professionals are entering the market each month through training programs offered by public and private institutions. Meanwhile, the Ministry of IT and SIFC are actively supporting the development of this ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Ibrahim Amin believes that the introduction of 5G in Pakistan will improve productivity for freelancers and content creators. Faster and more reliable internet could unlock new opportunities and strengthen global competitiveness.

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