The decision to suffocate the digital economy in Pakistan is having severe consequences, particularly for white-collar youth. Pakistan is reportedly the fourth biggest gig economy in the world, but temporary bans on platforms like YouTube and TikTok have suffocated the livelihoods of content creators. This clampdown on the internet is also affecting call centers, software developers, digital marketers, and other sub-sectors. Foreign companies like Fiverr have even suggested that they will shift their operations away from Pakistan due to significant daily losses. However, the ruling class seems to be consumed by palace intrigues and fails to recognize the economic consequences of their actions. While the white-collar youth are most affected, the majority of the blue-collar working population has no alternative but to resort to menial jobs or emigration. Without a meaningful alternative, the country risks being reduced to freelancers for ruin [b0bcadc7].