ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded a significant improvement in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Development Index, with its overall score rising from 56.4 to 67.7, reflecting a 20pc increase, according to official figures released on Friday.
Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja welcomed the improvement, calling it a major achievement and attributing the progress to the government’s focus on the IT and telecommunications sector under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.
The improvement was driven by gains in connectivity, where Pakistan registered a 22.8-point increase, while its Meaningful Connectivity score in digital services reached 79.
The ITU also estimated that Pakistan had climbed 27 places in the global rankings, describing the progress as an ‘important milestone’ in the country’s Digital Pakistan journey.
The ICT Development Index is used by the ITU to assess countries’ progress in digital connectivity, access to communication technologies and the use of ICT services, providing a benchmark for global digital development.
Minister hails milestone
Shaza also said stronger connectivity would create new opportunities for young people, freelancers and businesses, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding access to reliable and affordable digital services across the country.
The minister added that Pakistan’s improved standing in the ITU ICT Development Index would send a positive signal to international investors and technology companies, strengthening confidence in the country’s growing digital economy.
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