Mobile internet services suspension has inflicted a severe blow to the economy, leading to considerable financial setbacks for telecommunications providers, the government, and the citizens of Pakistan.
According to ProPakistani that telecom operators have experienced an approximate revenue deficit of Rs. 820 million, while the government has faced a tax revenue loss of about Rs. 287 million.
Moreover, individuals reliant on digital applications such as Careem, InDrive, FoodPanda, and others have encountered a marked decrease in income, as digital transactions have come to a screeching halt. The suspension has induced widespread distress and inconvenience to the general public, necessitating the urgent intervention of relevant authorities to reinstate data services.
Sources highlighted that not only telecom companies but also consumers were suffering losses. They elaborated that customers who purchase daily data bundles are at a disadvantage since, with data services suspended, users are unable to activate any packages.
Sharing his thoughts on the matter, Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim asserted that cutting off internet access is not an effective solution, as it generates more issues than it resolves. “For nearly 24 hours, 125 million Pakistanis have been deprived of mobile internet – an essential tool in emergencies and productivity,” he stated.
Aamir emphasized that while the economic impact can be measured, the inconvenience experienced by people is immeasurable.
It is worth noting that mobile internet services have been disrupted in numerous cities throughout Pakistan since Tuesday.
The service interruption began on Tuesday in the wake of protests triggered by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The situation has persisted and exhibits no indications of subsiding.
Mobile subscribers have reported service disruptions in various cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. Disruptions have been identified across all major mobile networks in the country.
