Economic Impact of Internet Shutdowns in Pakistan Revealed

The financial toll of internet shutdowns on Pakistan’s economy has been significant in 2023, with losses reaching Rs. 65 billion, as reported by a German organization specializing in data analysis. The total duration of internet outages in the country was recorded at 259 hours, impacting approximately 8.3 million users.

Global Context: Comparison with India and Russia

Pakistan’s internet shutdown figures, while substantial, pale in comparison to India, which experienced the most internet shutdowns globally last year. A staggering 470 million users were affected by internet blackouts in India, leading to a financial loss of Rs. 8 billion. The most affected regions in India included Occupied Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Manipur, where internet services were disrupted due to communal tensions.

Russia tops the list in terms of financial losses due to internet shutdowns, with a staggering 1,350 hours of service disruption. This led to an estimated economic loss of $4 billion, affecting 113 million users.

These figures underscore the severe economic consequences of internet shutdowns, highlighting the need for stable and uninterrupted digital connectivity to sustain economic growth.