The Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT (P@SHA) recently accused the Pakistan government of implementing a China-style internet firewall, a claim that was denied by the nation’s IT minister.
In a statement, P@SHA condemned the “hastily implemented” national firewall, criticizing its lack of transparency and the negative impact it would have on Pakistan’s IT industry. The organization warned of potential financial losses of up to $300 million, equivalent to a month’s worth of IT exports recorded in June at $298 million.
P@SHA further expressed concerns about the firewall causing distrust among global clients, potentially leading to an exodus of IT companies if immediate action is not taken.
The minister of state for information technology in Pakistan denied the existence of a national firewall, attributing reports of slowed internet to issues with certain apps and VPN usage. She assured that the government was working to resolve connectivity issues with ISPs and telcos.
Despite the government’s denial, reports of slowed internet persist, with residents experiencing speeds significantly below normal levels. Concerns have been raised about the impact on online platforms and freelancers in Pakistan, reminiscent of China’s Great Firewall and its effects on internet accessibility and speed.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether measures will be taken to address the concerns raised by industry groups and citizens.
