The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has raised concerns over the ban on virtual private network (VPN) services, stating that it will have a negative impact on the IT business growth in the country.
The slowdown of the internet and blocking of VPN services will result in financial loss, service interruptions, and damage to the export of IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS).
The IT industry's exports in FY24 were $3.2 billion, and the ban will cause a significant loss in the short term and long-term reputational damage.
The ban will affect not only the IT industry but also other sectors of the economy, as information technology has become essential for all businesses.