On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan saw the largest decrease in the global gender digital gap during 2024-25, as eight million additional women gained access to mobile internet.
The declaration was made on World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, which falls every year on May 17 with the aim of highlighting the significance of information and communications technology (ICT) advancements.
The observance was established in 1969 to mark the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on this date in 1865.
Pakistan has been working towards enhancing gender equality in digital accessibility to support its wider economic objectives, especially as it aims to draw more foreign investments into its information technology industry.
"Pakistan has achieved significant strides in reducing the gap between genders regarding digital access," Sharif stated in a release from his office.
In 2024-2025, an additional 8 million women obtained mobile internet access, narrowing the gender gap from 38 percent to 25 percent—the greatest global improvement, driven primarily by rural women,” he noted.
The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan's digital progress encompasses more than 200 million telecommunications subscriptions, over 150 million broadband users, and approximately two million FTTH connections.
Moreover, the production of mobile devices has surged by 47.46 percent, and global connections have been improved via high-capacity undersea cables.
The prime minister noted the mobile ecosystem was now contributing $16.7 billion to Pakistan's economy.
He stated that the government was dedicated to cultivating a digital atmosphere that encourages inclusivity and strengthens women’s capabilities via specific policies, skill-building initiatives, and gender-focused digital infrastructure.
Sharif additionally urged all parties involved to support gender-sensitive digital change and keep working towards a more inclusive and empowered digital Pakistan.
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