By Abdul Rafay Siddiqui
KARACHI: President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, has expressed grave concerns regarding persistent slow internet connectivity and restricted access to social media applications. Sheikh’s statement highlights the ongoing issues despite assurances that internet services would normalize following the installation of a national safety firewall. The disruptions have significantly impacted business activities across the city.
In his statement, Sheikh revealed that the KCCI has been inundated with complaints from member firms struggling to connect with clients both locally and internationally, particularly via WhatsApp. “We have remained in constant contact with various telecommunication service providers who promised improvements, but the connectivity issues continue, and there seems to be no immediate resolution,” Sheikh noted.
The ongoing connectivity problems are severely affecting business operations. Members of the business community are finding it nearly impossible to obtain quotes and necessary documentation from international vendors and buyers, leading to potential financial losses. Sheikh emphasized that while it is difficult to quantify the exact financial impact at present, the delays are expected to be substantial.
Freelancers in the IT sector, who rely heavily on stable internet for their remote work with foreign companies, are also facing significant difficulties due to the connectivity issues. Sheikh underscored the critical role of these freelancers and IT professionals in generating foreign exchange for Pakistan, urging the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to address the matter urgently.
He warned that continued delays in restoring internet connectivity not only lead to financial losses but also tarnish Pakistan’s image globally. “In an era of digitalization, such delays are unacceptable. It is imperative that the authorities expedite the restoration process to ensure that our freelancers and IT professionals have access to the basic tools necessary for their work,” Sheikh concluded.
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