Pakistan’s burgeoning Information Technology (IT) sector is facing an existential crisis due to the hastily implemented national firewall, according to the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). The industry body has issued a dire warning of a mass exodus of IT companies unless the government takes immediate corrective measures.
Ali Ihsan, Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA, lambasted the government’s decision to impose the firewall without consulting the industry. “The firewall has triggered unprecedented operational disruptions, with prolonged internet disconnections and erratic VPN performance crippling business operations,” he said.
The IT industry, a key driver of Pakistan’s economy, is reeling from the impact. Ihsan estimates financial losses due to the firewall to be around $300 million, a figure that could escalate if the situation persists. Moreover, the opacity surrounding the firewall’s design and objectives has eroded trust among global clients, leading to fears about data privacy and security.
“Clients are looking for reliable partners,” Ihsan stated. “Even if they want to give projects to us due to existing relationships, they prefer not to due to concerns about unreliable connectivity.”
The industry leader emphasized that the firewall is not merely a technical issue but a strategic threat to Pakistan’s economic future. “A mass exodus of IT companies is imminent if we don’t act now,” he warned. “We are at a crossroads, facing a stark choice: to persevere in a hostile environment or seek refuge in more conducive ecosystems.”
P@SHA is demanding an immediate halt to the firewall and a comprehensive review of the government’s cybersecurity strategy. “We insist on a transparent and collaborative approach that safeguards national interests without stifling innovation,” Ihsan said.
The association has urged the government to form a joint committee comprising industry stakeholders to develop a cybersecurity framework that balances national security with the needs of the IT sector. “The internet, its reliability, quality, and throughput are of national interest,” Ihsan added. “Anyone acting against it should review their decisions.”
The IT industry’s contribution to Pakistan’s economy cannot be overstated. It is a major source of foreign exchange and employment, particularly for the youth. The firewall, if left unchecked, threatens to undo years of progress and stifle the sector’s potential.
As the situation worsens, the IT community is watching closely to see how the government responds. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the fate of Pakistan’s IT industry.