GSMA highlights digital landscape and reforms for Pakistan

The GSMA convened its second Digital Nation Summit in Islamabad, highlighting the role of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and local Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in advancing Pakistan's digital landscape.

At the summit, the GSMA presented a report entitled “Unlocking Pakistan's Digital Potential: Reform, Trust and Opportunity.” This report outlines strategies aimed at addressing the mobile internet usage gap in the country and positioning Pakistan within the Asia Pacific digital market.

Julian Gorman, GSMA’s Head of Asia Pacific, shared insights from the report, indicating that despite 81% of the population having mobile broadband access and 68% owning smartphones, only 29% actively used mobile internet, resulting in a 52% gap in usage—the highest compared to other major markets in the region. He mentioned that high spectrum costs and taxation present significant obstacles to improvement.

“Pakistan has the talent, ambition and vision to be a digital powerhouse, but policy barriers are holding it back,” Gorman remarked, noting that extensive reforms are essential for fostering economic growth and social inclusion.

Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, expressed the government's commitment to nurturing a resilient digital ecosystem, asserting, “Pakistan is not merely adapting to the digital age; we are shaping it with purpose and precision.”

The GSMA’s report advocates for policy reforms designed to propel digital advancement in Pakistan, recommending changes in spectrum management and ensuring alignment with national digital development objectives.