Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), has strongly criticized the abrupt and unconsulted blockage of internet services in the country amid the ongoing political situation.
Khan emphasized the vital role of the internet as a lifeline, office, and communication infrastructure for the IT industry, highlighting the industry’s inability to operate without it.
Khan expressed concern over the negative impact this internet shutdown has had on the IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) sector, which was already facing challenges such as stagnant growth and a potential decline in IT service exports due to unfavorable government policies and a lack of policy continuity. The political turmoil has now completely halted operations within the IT industry.
Demanding immediate action, the P@SHA Chief fervently called for the resumption of internet services specifically for the IT industry. He also pointed out the already dwindling quality of internet services, particularly data services, in the country.
Khan stressed that international buyers and importers would not accept excuses for delayed internet access, emphasizing the importance of timely delivery and maintaining credibility and goodwill in the highly competitive IT export markets. Losing clients or orders due to the unavailability of internet access would be detrimental and challenging to recover.
It is worth noting that due to the volatile law and order situation throughout the country, a significant number of IT professionals are currently working from home. This remote work arrangement may continue for several days, given the prevailing political uncertainty.
Muhammad Zohaib Khan appealed directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging him to intervene as he did during the Wikipedia blockage incident. He requested the Prime Minister’s guidance to the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) for the immediate restoration of internet services.
Khan also sought support from the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Tech Destination Pakistan administrations to join forces in advocating for categorical instructions from the Prime Minister to resolve the issue promptly.
