Pakistan Freelancers Association has called on the government and internet service providers to deliver uninterrupted, high-speed internet connectivity to support the country’s growing pool of online professionals and gig workers. The association warned that persistent slowdowns are undermining an increasingly digital economy that relies on reliable internet connectivity.
Ibrahim Amin, PAFLA chairman, said ongoing disruptions are reducing freelancers’ productivity and jeopardizing their ability to secure timely payments and retain platform rankings. He stressed that many freelancers generate foreign exchange and help reduce unemployment, and that improving internet connectivity is vital to sustain these gains.
Slow and interrupted internet connectivity, compounded by frequent electricity outages, has made it difficult for online workers to meet project deadlines and maintain professional credibility. Amin noted that such disruptions can directly affect freelancers’ platform reputations and long-term income prospects.
Workers across the gig economy are also feeling the impact. Ride-hailing drivers and food delivery personnel rely on steady internet connectivity for bookings and navigation, and any slowdown translates into lost trips, lower daily earnings, and reduced sector revenue.
The association highlighted a recent incident in which a major internet provider carried out submarine cable maintenance for nearly a week, causing notable degradation in service quality nationwide. To minimize similar disruptions, PAFLA recommended exploring satellite-based internet solutions as a complementary option to submarine cables and terrestrial links.
Data from the Asian Development Bank shows Pakistan hosts over 2.37 million freelancers, while the State Bank of Pakistan reported more than $800 million in foreign exchange from IT and IT-related freelance services despite connectivity and power challenges. Amin urged institutions such as the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, Pakistan Software Export Board and the Special Investment Facilitation Council to strengthen the ecosystem for freelancers. He expressed optimism that an accelerated 5G rollout will further enhance internet connectivity and uplift the productivity of freelancers, content creators and other online professionals across Pakistan.
