Karachi’s business community is facing significant setbacks due to a major telecom company’s failure to ensure reliable internet services, according to Muhammad Saleem Memon, President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI). He highlighted that the disruption in internet connectivity is severely affecting e-commerce, online businesses, and essential services.
Memon urged Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to address the ongoing issues and improve service quality to support the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, which aims to elevate the country’s IT sector. He suggested that PTCL install backup batteries in critical areas like Hirabad and Anaj Mandi to prevent service interruptions during power outages. Currently, the services are hindered by Hesco’s frequent power cuts, which also knock out the internet, creating a ripple effect across businesses, freelancers, and even essential sectors like pathology labs.
The “Uraan Pakistan” programme, envisioned to generate $5 billion annually from freelancing and provide training to 200,000 IT professionals, faces major roadblocks due to the unreliable internet infrastructure. Memon emphasized that the lack of consistent connectivity undermines these ambitious goals, risking the success of the IT sector’s growth and the broader national economy. Without reliable internet, the country’s progress in the digital age remains a distant dream.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE