Karachi, August 15, 2024 – The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has expressed grave concerns over the ongoing slow internet connectivity and frequent disruptions in accessing social media applications, which have been severely affecting business operations.
KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh highlighted the issue, stating that despite assurances from service providers, the problem persists, causing widespread disruptions across the business community.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Sheikh emphasized that the KCCI has been inundated with complaints from its member firms, who are struggling to maintain communication with clients both domestically and internationally, particularly via social media platforms like WhatsApp. “We’ve been in constant contact with various telecommunication service providers, who assured us that the connectivity would improve. However, the situation remains unresolved, and it appears it may take even longer to restore normalcy,” he remarked.
Sheikh stressed that the slow internet connectivity and malfunctioning social media apps are making it nearly impossible for businesses to obtain quotes, exchange documents, and maintain communication with international vendors and buyers. This disruption, he warned, could lead to significant financial losses. “While it’s challenging to quantify the exact financial impact at this moment, the prolonged delays suggest that the losses could be substantial,” he cautioned.
The KCCI President also pointed out that freelancers in the IT sector, who contribute significantly to the country’s economy by working remotely for foreign companies, are facing severe difficulties in meeting deadlines due to the ongoing connectivity issues. “In this digital age, Pakistan cannot afford such delays in restoring internet connectivity. If not addressed promptly, these issues could not only result in financial losses but also damage Pakistan’s reputation globally,” he added.
Sheikh underscored the critical role that freelancers and IT professionals play in generating much-needed foreign exchange for Pakistan. He urged the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take immediate action to resolve the connectivity issues. “Our IT professionals should not be deprived of the basic tools they need to perform their work. It’s imperative that the authorities expedite the process to fully restore internet connectivity across Pakistan,” he concluded.
As the situation unfolds, the business community remains hopeful for a swift resolution, stressing the importance of stable internet connectivity for the smooth functioning of trade and commerce in the country.
