ADB Highlights Major Challenges in Pakistan’s Digital Sector; GDP Contribution Only 1.5%

Islamabad: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a comprehensive report on the current state of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and economy, revealing that the digital sector contributes only 1.5% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—a figure significantly lower compared to regional counterparts.
According to the report, Pakistan’s digital sector is in dire need of investment. Fixed broadband access is currently limited to just 1.3% of the population, and the fiber optic network remains extremely underdeveloped. The ADB emphasized the urgent need for rapid and extensive expansion of fiber infrastructure across the country.
The report also noted that while 80% of Pakistan’s population has access to mobile internet, its effective usage remains low. Key barriers include the rising cost of digital devices and the limited availability of internet services, especially among women and low-income groups. The affordability of internet-enabled devices has become a significant challenge for these segments of the population.
The ADB further revealed stark gender disparities: 86% of men and 53% of women in Pakistan own mobile phones, yet only 53% of men and 33% of women actually use the internet—highlighting the country’s deep digital divide.
To move forward in the digital economy, the ADB recommends that Pakistan not only improve its digital infrastructure but also focus on expanding public access to digital literacy, affordable devices, and high-speed internet.