Noor Ul Ain Bashir
Recently, Pakistan has faced enormous difficulties due to internet shortages that have severely impacted businesses, freelancers, and multinational companies operating within the country. In as much as the current government focuses on motorway development and national events celebrations, it is crucial to address the immediate and pressing issues impacting the nation’s economy.
Independence is not just about symbolism or infrastructure projects. The true measure of independence lies in securing basic necessities for our people and their businesses such as reliable and effective internet access services.
The current internet shortages have led to disruptions in daily business operations, slowed productivity and causing financial losses. Freelancers, who are a key sector of the digital economy, find it difficult to continue working due to constant unavailability of the internet. Multinational companies, which contribute significantly to our economy by earning in foreign currencies, are facing operational hurdles that may lead them to reconsider their investments in Pakistan.
The government must recognize the value of these contributions and address the infrastructure deficits that undermine economic stability. Investments should be directed toward improving the Internet infrastructure and ensuring that service quality meets the demands of a digital economy. By prioritizing these critical areas, the government can foster a more conducive environment for business growth and international investment
In addition, priority should not be given to security and surveillance at the expense of reliable utilities and infrastructure. The focus should be on creating an environment where businesses can thrive and where the economic contributions of multinational companies are respected and appreciated. Addressing these issues will not only support local entrepreneurs and freelancers but also reinforce Pakistan’s reputation as a viable and attractive destination for international investment.
In addition to these concerns, we must acknowledge that the world is rapidly modernizing. We need to redirect our attention from rising prices of basic commodities such as sugar and wheat, we need to focus on maximizing our economic potential. Many freelancers and recent graduates, with limited job options are resorting to entrepreneurship or freelance work to sustain themselves. However, without an enhanced internet backbone, these efforts may be compromised, leading Pakistan to lag behind the rest of the globalized digitized universe. Ensuring uninterrupted internet access is the least that can be offered to the public as we strive to stay current with the rapidly evolving global landscape.