Slow internet disruptions hit Pakistan’s freelancers and digital economy

By Ariz Riaz :

Millions of freelancers in Pakistan are facing growing challenges as slow and unstable internet connections disrupt their work, raising concerns about the country’s digital economy.

Professionals who rely on consistent, high-speed connectivity to serve international clients say frequent outages and reduced speeds are affecting productivity, deadlines and client satisfaction. The situation is further compounded by electricity load shedding, making remote work increasingly difficult across the country.

The Pakistan Freelancers Association has urged authorities and service providers to address the issue, warning that unreliable internet is putting pressure on a sector that contributes significantly to Pakistan’s economy.

Its chief executive Ibrahim Amin said connectivity problems were damaging Pakistan’s reputation in the global freelance market and affecting performance rankings. He attributed part of the slowdown to ongoing submarine cable repairs, which have reduced bandwidth and network stability.

The impact is also being felt beyond freelancers, with ride-hailing drivers and delivery workers reporting income losses due to app disruptions caused by poor connectivity.

Industry representatives say improving infrastructure is critical, with calls for alternative solutions such as satellite internet to provide backup during outages and ensure uninterrupted service.

Pakistan is among the world’s leading freelancing markets, with more than two million workers contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange each year. The sector continues to expand as new entrants join through training programmes backed by public and private initiatives.

Officials say efforts are under way to strengthen the digital ecosystem, including plans to introduce next-generation technologies such as 5G, which could improve speeds and reliability.

Experts warn that unless connectivity issues are resolved, Pakistan risks losing competitiveness in the global digital marketplace despite the rapid growth of its freelance workforce.