Islamabad: Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in digital connectivity during 2024–2025, with the majority of households now equipped with mobile phones or smartphones, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The PBS report highlights that 96% of households in Pakistan have access to a mobile or smartphone, while more than 70% of households are using the internet. This marks a substantial rise in digital adoption compared to previous years.
Internet usage has more than doubled since 2019, reflecting the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure and increased public access to technology. Among the provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leads in digital access, with 77% of households connected. Individual internet usage in the province rose dramatically from 17% to 57% over the reporting period.
The report also notes that 92% of individuals nationwide use mobile phones, and internet usage patterns show interesting trends: in urban areas, women’s internet use has surpassed that of men, while overall, both men and women are accessing the internet at nearly equal rates.
According to PBS, the growth in digital connectivity has been accompanied by improvements in digital literacy, online safety awareness, and technical skills, reflecting a broader trend of digital empowerment across the country.
The report emphasizes that increased mobile and internet penetration is helping bridge the urban-rural digital divide, enabling better access to information, e-services, and online opportunities for education, business, and communication.
This surge in connectivity positions Pakistan for further advancements in digital inclusion, e-governance, and tech-driven economic growth, making digital access an integral part of social and economic development across the nation.
