P@SHA Condemns National Firewall’s Impact on Pakistan’s IT Sector

The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has strongly criticized the recent implementation of the national firewall, which is causing severe disruptions in Pakistan’s rapidly growing IT industry. According to P@SHA, the firewall has led to significant operational issues, including prolonged internet outages and unreliable VPN performance, threatening the stability of the sector.

The disruptions are not only causing major inconvenience but are also leading to substantial financial losses estimated at $300 million, with the potential for further escalation. Muhammad Aamir, CEO of AXCEL, warned that the firewall could become a major bottleneck for Pakistan’s economy.

The lack of transparency and clarity regarding the firewall’s design and goals has sparked concerns among international clients about the security of their data and privacy. This has damaged the industry’s reputation and raised fears of a possible exodus of IT companies if the situation is not addressed promptly.

An anonymous industry source highlighted that clients are hesitant to engage with Pakistani firms due to perceived unreliable connectivity, impacting business relationships and project opportunities.

P@SHA is calling for an immediate halt to the firewall and demands a transparent and collaborative approach to cybersecurity. The association urges the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom (MoITT) to take urgent action to resolve the issues. They propose the formation of a joint committee with representatives from all relevant stakeholders to develop and implement a detailed plan that ensures minimal disruption to business operations.

Ali Ahsan, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan IT Industry Association, emphasized that the internet’s reliability is crucial for national interests, and any actions against it should be carefully considered.