Pakistan’s Economic Strain: Impact of Protests and Shutdowns on Freelancers & IT Sector. In Pakistan, ongoing political protests and strikes have led to severe disruptions in the economy, affecting businesses, daily life, and most significantly, the livelihoods of millions. During times of large-scale protests, the government has often resorted to shutting down essential services such as internet access, mobile networks, highways, and even major roads like the GT Road and Motorways.

This has resulted in billions of rupees in losses for the economy. With unemployment on the rise and many struggling to make ends meet, these closures only exacerbate the hardships faced by the working class, many of whom are already fighting to secure two meals a day.

Pakistan’s IT Industry

However, amid this bleak economic situation, one sector has remained relatively resilient—the IT industry, specifically freelancers. Pakistan’s freelance economy has flourished in recent years, with freelancers earning millions of rupees daily through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and others. The IT sector has become a lifeline for many, offering a steady income for individuals across the country despite other sectors experiencing slowdowns.

Yet, the recent political unrest and subsequent government actions have cast a shadow over this vital sector. As protests escalated, the government’s response was to impose widespread internet and mobile service shutdowns. This included blocking VPN access, which many freelancers rely on to continue working during such disruptions. The decision to block VPNs has caused significant challenges for freelancers who were already struggling with the broader economic downturn. With limited or no access to the global platforms that provide them with work, freelancers now face serious obstacles in maintaining their income.

The shutdowns have raised an important question: is blocking essential services during protests the ultimate solution to political unrest? While the government may argue that such measures are necessary to maintain order, the economic cost of shutting down the internet and communication services is undeniable. Pakistan’s freelance economy, which relies heavily on a stable and open internet, now faces an uncertain future. If these shutdowns persist, the potential to drive millions of young, tech-savvy Pakistanis out of work could increase, worsening an already fragile job market.

The growing reliance on the IT sector, particularly freelancing, cannot be ignored. Pakistan’s freelancers contribute significantly to the national economy, earning foreign currency and providing services to clients worldwide. However, if internet access and communication services continue to be restricted during moments of crisis, it could lead to long-term damage to the digital economy, eroding the livelihoods of many who depend on it.

In conclusion, while political protests and disruptions are a natural part of democratic expression, the excessive reliance on shutting down essential services, including the internet, could have dire consequences for Pakistan’s freelance workforce. A balance must be struck between maintaining law and order and ensuring that businesses, especially those dependent on digital platforms, are not crippled in the process. The government should reconsider its approach, as the future of Pakistan’s economy, particularly its growing IT and freelancing sectors, depends on the free flow of information and connectivity.