GSMA reports on Pakistan's digital potential and reforms at summit

The GSMA hosted its second Digital Nation Summit in Islamabad, recognizing contributions from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and local Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The summit focused on advancing Pakistan's digital landscape.

During the event, the GSMA released a report titled Unlocking Pakistan's Digital Potential: Reform, Trust and Opportunity, which outlined policy options to address a substantial mobile internet usage gap. The report aims to position Pakistan as a digital leader within the Asia Pacific region.

Julian Gorman, GSMA's Head of Asia Pacific, presented key findings from the report. He noted that while 81% of the population has mobile broadband coverage and 68% own smartphones, only 29% used mobile internet, resulting in a 52% usage gap, the highest among major regional markets. He emphasized that investment barriers, including high spectrum costs and heavy taxes, hinder progress.

“Pakistan has the talent, ambition and vision to be a digital powerhouse, but policy barriers are holding it back,” said Gorman. He indicated that comprehensive reform is necessary for economic growth and social inclusion.

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

The GSMA's report calls for several policy reforms to stimulate digital advancement, including spectrum reform and alignment with national digital development goals.