Pakistan advances toward inclusive digital ecosystem: PM

May 20, 2025 (MLN): The government of Pakistan has reaffirmed its dedication to building a digital ecosystem that ensures inclusivity and empowers women across the country, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stated in his message on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025.

Recognizing the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for its global leadership, the Prime Minister extended his felicitations and praised the ITU’s efforts in promoting fair and inclusive digital growth worldwide.

Highlighting the theme of this year’s celebration “Why Gender Equality in Digital Transformation Matters” the Prime Minister called it a timely reminder of the need to ensure equal access to technology and its benefits for all.

He noted that Pakistan had made significant strides in narrowing the gender digital divide, with 8 million more women gaining access to mobile internet in 2024–2025, reducing the gap from 38% to 25%.

He emphasized that this was the most notable improvement globally, particularly driven by increased access among women in rural areas.

Shehbaz Sharif underscored that these advancements were part of Pakistan’s wider efforts toward digital transformation, according to the press release.

The country now boasts over 200 million telecom subscriptions, 150m broadband users, and 2m fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections.

In addition, mobile phone manufacturing in Pakistan has surged by 47.46%, and the nation has enhanced its international connectivity through high-capacity submarine cables.

“These developments have strengthened our digital economy, with the mobile ecosystem alone contributing $16.7 billion,” the Prime Minister said.

He further noted that the government is actively pursuing policies and programs to ensure that digital progress translates into opportunities for all.

“Through targeted policies, skills development programs, and gender-sensitive digital infrastructure, we are working to ensure that women and girls can actively participate in and benefit from the digital transformation of our society,” he said.

Calling for collective action, the Prime Minister urged all stakeholders to support a gender-responsive digital transformation.

“Let us continue working together to build an empowered and inclusive Digital Pakistan,” he concluded.

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