The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has effectively halted mobile internet service at the instructions of the interior ministry. Around Rs1.64 billion in revenue was lost as a result of the internet ban in Pakistan.
In Pakistan, popular social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have been prohibited. The action was taken in the middle of a deteriorating law-and-order scenario following former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest.
Data shows that telecom companies in Pakistan have lost an estimated Rs. 1.64 billion in revenue as a result of the suspension of mobile broadband services, and the government has lost an estimated Rs. 574 million in tax revenue, with further losses anticipated if the restrictions are not lifted.
The artificial suspension of network and social media apps is a clear infringement of human rights, as well as an unwarranted and disproportionate response to socio-political concerns, in addition to the significant financial losses brought on by it.
The shutdown has an impact on everyone who uses the internet and social media to accomplish personal or professional duties, conduct business, or interact with loved ones, including businesses, students, and individual users.
Due to Pakistan’s predominately mobile data-based internet usage, this data service suspension is very significant. In Pakistan, for example, there are 125 million 3G/4G subscribers compared to less than 2.5 million users of wired internet, despite inadequate cable infrastructure.
According to data, about 160,000 drivers, and riders who use Bykea, InDrive, Careem, and Uber along with around 12,000 food panda home cooks and eateries got affected by this decision.
Approximately 500,000 freelancers, nearly 90,000 POS providers, 42,483,573 mobile wallets, and 6,000 online retailers were also heavily affected by the internet ban in the country.
Digital payments are yet another crucial service that has been rendered inoperable. The facility not only causes a great deal of trouble for users but also significantly lowers sales at convenience stores, gas stations, etc. 90,000 digital Points-of-Sale (PoS) devices are present throughout the nation; however, they are no longer linked despite offering a seamless digital buying experience.
Several small and medium-sized enterprises were also impacted by the blocking of social networking sites. Millions of content producers in Pakistan have the opportunity to make money on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. They work to support both themselves and their family in addition to themselves.
Due to the suspension of data service, telecom consumers that subscribe to daily and weekly bundles utilizing data are also suffering losses because they are unable to activate any bundles.
