In 2023, Pakistan faced a significant economic setback, with losses amounting to 65 billion rupees due to extensive internet shutdowns. The impact was felt by 83 million Pakistanis as the total duration of these disruptions reached 259 hours, according to recent data from Statista, a leading German data collection organization.
Pakistan now ranks seventh globally in terms of economic loss from internet shutdowns for the previous fiscal year. This statistic highlights the severe consequences of such disruptions on the country’s economy.
India, in contrast, recorded the longest internet shutdowns last year, impacting 470 million users. Despite this, India ranks fourth globally for the extent of internet shutdowns. The financial loss for India is estimated at 10 billion rupees, with disruptions affecting 59 million users.
Globally, Russia has experienced the most substantial financial loss due to internet disruptions, with 1,350 hours of service interruption leading to an estimated 4 billion dollars in losses and affecting 113 million users. This highlights the severe global economic impact of internet shutdowns, with each country’s situation revealing significant economic challenges.
