JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 14, 2024 at 10:09 pm
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—More than 80% of internet users in Pakistan faced slowdowns during August, according to a Gallup survey.
The survey, conducted with a diverse and representative sample of the Pakistani population, reveals usage statistics across different demographics and highlights the challenges faced by users—especially freelancers—due to disruptions in internet services in the country.
The survey was carried out among a sample of 650 men and women in urban and rural areas of four provinces of the country, conducted from 19 August–1st September 2024. This study focused on the internet slowdown experienced during the first half of August, which the trade body and registered association for the IT industry P@SHA claimed could cost the economy around $300 million.
Respondents (82) reported experiencing service slowdowns during August. Of them, 84% were urban residents and 80% rural residents.
Amongst freelancers, the biggest proportion were those who were working to sell their products online or worked for Amazon (47%), according to the survey. “5% were freelancing on related websites such as Fiverr, 10% were teaching, 10% were involved in web designing, 9% were contributing to IT marketing, 5% were earning from gaming, 2% from essay writing, and 2% from graphic design.”
However, it added that only 1% of the internet users in Pakistan are providing freelancing services abroad. “1% of these freelancers belong to the income bracket of Rs 90,001 to 200,000.” The online platforms that freelancers are registered with included Fiverr (41%), Upwork (20%), LinkedIn (7%), Rozee.pk (3%), as well as other platforms (52%), while 4% had no response.
May 20, 2025: Popular journalist Imran Riaz Khan advises subscribers to use VPN as Pakistan plans to ban several YouTube channels including his with 5.86 million followers.
May 19, 2025: CPJ urges Pakistan to restore Ahmad Noorani’s blocked YouTube channel and stop harassing his family. The journalist could face three-year jail under cybercrime laws amid escalating media crackdown.
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.