KARACHI, August 16, 2024 – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has issued a grave warning regarding the implementation of the national firewall, stating that its adverse effects are poised to severely impact the country’s burgeoning IT industry.
Khushnood Aftab, Convener of the FPCCI IT Committee, expressed deep concern over the detrimental consequences that have already begun to surface following firewall implementation. He stated that the improvements in Pakistan’s IT sector, which were just beginning to take shape, are now teetering on the brink of destruction due to severe operational obstacles posed by the national firewall.
Aftab highlighted that the industry is grappling with extremely slow or even nonexistent internet connectivity, which he described as direct and aggressive attacks on the survival of the IT sector. “These connectivity issues are not merely technical glitches; they represent a significant threat to the operational viability of the entire industry,” he asserted.
The financial toll of these disruptions has been staggering, with losses already reaching $30 million. Aftab cautioned that if immediate action is not taken, the situation could escalate, leading to even greater financial damage and further deterioration of the IT industry’s global standing.
Aftab strongly condemned the government’s lack of transparency and failure to engage in meaningful consultations with the IT industry before implementing the national firewall. He pointed out that this oversight has fostered deep distrust among international clients, many of whom are now questioning their business relationships with Pakistan.
“The loss of trust from international clients is perhaps the most damaging consequence of this policy. It not only affects current business but also jeopardizes future opportunities,” Aftab warned. He stressed that this distrust could cause irreparable harm to Pakistan’s reputation as a global technology hub.
In response to the crisis, Aftab urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom to take immediate, decisive action to reverse the course of this disastrous policy. He called for a more measured approach to cybersecurity that does not cripple the IT industry in the process.
To address the issue, Aftab proposed the formation of a joint committee comprising representatives from the IT industry, business leaders, and relevant government stakeholders. This committee would be tasked with developing a cybersecurity framework that balances the protection of national interests with the operational needs of the IT industry.
“The goal should be to create a cybersecurity policy that safeguards our national security without stifling the innovation and growth that our IT industry needs to thrive,” Aftab concluded.
