Karachi: The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has issued a strong condemnation of the national firewall, which it claims is causing severe disruptions and threatening the stability of Pakistan’s IT industry. The association reported massive operational disruptions and potential financial losses, urging immediate governmental intervention.

According to Pakistan Software Houses Association, the firewall’s implementation has been marked by a lack of transparency and has sparked widespread concern among international clients about data security. The potential financial losses could exceed $300 million if the situation is not addressed. Muhammad Aamir, CEO of AXCEL, highlighted the economic risks, warning that the IT sector’s difficulties could become a major bottleneck for the nation’s economy.

The association is calling for an urgent halt to what it describes as a digital siege and is pushing for a collaborative approach to cybersecurity that supports the industry’s growth without compromising national security. Ali Ahsan, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan IT Industry Association, emphasized the importance of internet reliability and warned of the national implications of any further disruptions. P@SHA is advocating for the creation of a joint committee to oversee the development and implementation of a more effective cybersecurity framework.