In the wake of the sudden arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan, a wave of unprecedented Internet blockage swept across the country, plunging millions of Pakistanis into a state of digital isolation. For three agonising days, the nation’s online connectivity came to an abrupt halt, profoundly impacting various sectors of the economy and disrupting the lives of countless individuals who depend on the Internet for their livelihoods.
The repercussions of this forced digital outage were far-reaching, affecting a wide range of individuals and industries that have become increasingly reliant on the Internet for their daily operations. From ride-hailing drivers and delivery services to freelancers, online marketers, small businesses, and home-run enterprises, the absence of Internet connectivity struck a crippling blow, leaving these individuals and entities in dire straits.
The disruption caused by the Internet shutdown extended beyond mere economic inconvenience. People working remotely or from home found themselves unable to carry out their professional obligations, while social media content creators struggled
to stay connected with their audiences. Online health services, crucial for remote consultations and medical assistance, were suddenly rendered inaccessible, posing potential risks to the well being of countless patients. Even essential services such as ATM and biometric systems faltered, further exacerbating the chaos and inconvenience faced by the populace.
