Abdul Ghani

Pakistan has recorded a sharp expansion in digital connectivity, with household internet access rising to 70 percent and smartphone ownership reaching 96 percent, according to the latest Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024–25.

The survey shows a major leap in digital inclusion, with household internet access more than doubling from 34 percent in the previous survey cycle. This growth reflects rapid expansion in connectivity infrastructure, wider availability of mobile broadband, and increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication, services, and information.

At the individual level, internet usage climbed from 17 percent to 57 percent, highlighting a significant shift in how Pakistanis engage with digital technologies. The rise in individual connectivity underscores growing access to online education, e-commerce, digital banking, and government services.

Provincial data reveal notable differences in digital access. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest household internet penetration at 77 percent, while Sindh reported the lowest at 67 percent. In terms of device ownership, smartphone access reached 96 percent nationally, with the highest rate observed in Balochistan at 98 percent, and the lowest in Sindh at 95 percent.

Despite overall progress, the survey highlights a persistent gender gap in digital access. Male mobile ownership remains significantly higher, while female ownership stands at 31 percent, indicating ongoing barriers related to affordability, digital literacy, and social norms. Nevertheless, the data show gradual improvement compared to earlier years.

The HIES 2024–25 findings underscore a rapid transformation in Pakistan’s digital landscape, driven by expanding telecommunications infrastructure and increased affordability of mobile technologies. As digital connectivity continues to grow, the survey points to its rising importance in enhancing access to education, financial services, and economic opportunities across the country.

Credit: INP-WealthPk