“Our booming IT sector is on the brink of disaster, facing unprecedented operational disruptions that threaten to undermine the very foundation of Pakistan’s rapidly growing tech industry. We urgently demand a review and consultation with the IT sector,” Ihsan stated. He emphasized that the firewall’s imposition has led to significant challenges, including prolonged internet outages and erratic VPN performance, posing a severe threat to business operations. These disruptions, he noted, are not merely inconvenient but represent a direct, aggressive assault on the industry’s viability, with financial losses estimated to reach $300 million and potentially rise even higher.
P@SHA has expressed deep concern over the government’s lack of transparency and clarity regarding the firewall’s design and objectives, which has sparked significant distrust among Pakistan’s global clients. These clients fear that their proprietary data and privacy could be compromised, which could severely damage the hard-earned trust and confidence in Pakistan’s IT capabilities.
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Ihsan warned that this situation reflects a blatant disregard for the industry’s reputation and is a dangerous gamble with the nation’s economic future. He cautioned that a mass exodus of IT companies is not just a possibility but an imminent reality if immediate and decisive action is not taken. The industry, he asserted, is at a critical juncture and faces a stark choice: endure a hostile environment or relocate to more supportive ecosystems. This, he stressed, is not merely a warning but an urgent and inevitable consequence.
“Industry sources indicate that clients are seeking reliable partners. Even when they want to continue working with us due to established relationships, they are reluctant because of concerns about our unreliable connectivity,” Ihsan explained.
P@SHA is calling for an immediate and unconditional halt to what it describes as a digital siege. “We demand a comprehensive, transparent, and collaborative approach to cybersecurity—one that protects national interests without stifling innovation and growth,” Ihsan said. He urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with industry stakeholders to develop a cybersecurity framework that safeguards the nation without crippling the IT industry.
Ihsan called on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom (MoITT) to take swift and decisive action to resolve this critical situation. Failure to do so, he warned, will have profound consequences for Pakistan’s economy and its reputation as a global technology hub. The IT industry, he argued, is a crucial driver of growth and a lifeline for the nation’s future.
P@SHA is also urging the government to establish a joint committee, including representatives from all relevant stakeholders, to collaboratively develop a detailed scope and implementation plan. The goal is to ensure that any changes or initiatives are introduced smoothly, minimizing disruptions to business operations. Ihsan underscored that Pakistan’s economy is a matter of national security. “Unfortunately, without proper consultation and consideration of the damaging consequences for the fastest-growing export sector, we are witnessing a reckless implementation of the national firewall that threatens to choke the IT industry before it reaches its full potential. The reliability, quality, and throughput of the internet are of national importance. Those making decisions that threaten these must reconsider,” he added.
