The Pakistani government’s proposed data localization measures, under the Personal Data Protection Bill, could significantly impact the economy. According to a report by the Asia Internet Coalition, implementing these measures could reduce labor productivity by 14.7% by 2025, resulting in a GDP loss of USD 16.5 billion and potentially 3.2 million job losses.
The report highlights concerns over increased costs for businesses, cybersecurity risks, and the potential for negative impacts on the IT and healthcare sectors. Effective enforcement and policy adjustments will determine the actual impact on Pakistan’s economy.
