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The GSMA, an organization that represents the interests of international mobile operators, raised alarm on Friday on the negative effects of mobile broadband restrictions on Pakistani citizens and enterprises.
In its letter, a copy of which is available with Business Recorder, the body addresses IT Minister Syed Amin Ul Haque.
“In today’s digital societies, individuals and businesses rely on connectivity for their livelihoods and access to essential services and information,” stated GSMA Head of Asia Pacific Julian Gorman in the letter.
Following Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s detention and ensuing riots, the Pakistani authorities on Tuesday restricted mobile broadband and social media websites. On the fourth day of the ban, they had still not been reinstated.
According to sources in the telecom industry, the suspension of mobile broadband services caused telecom operators to lose an estimated Rs. 1.64 billion in revenue, and the government suffered a loss of Rs. 574 million in tax revenue up to Thursday.
“Prolonged restrictions can also have far reaching effects on citizens’ health, education, social and economic welfare,” the GSMA letter stated. “In addition to the damage faced by businesses, restrictions can hit credit and investment plans, ultimately damaging the country’s reputation for managing the economy and foreign investment.”
The GSMA urged the government to lift the suspension on internet services and restore its access as soon as possible to ensure business continuity.