Internet Use
Pakistan has achieved a significant breakthrough in digital inclusion, as nearly eight million women gained access to mobile internet services in 2024 — the highest recorded increase in female digital connectivity in the nation’s history.
The development was announced by State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, during a media briefing on Thursday. She emphasized that this surge represents a crucial step in bridging the longstanding digital gender divide in Pakistan.
According to the minister, the gap in internet usage between men and women has narrowed considerably, dropping from 38% to 25% in just one year. This notable progress indicates not only increased access but also a growing awareness and acceptance of digital tools among women, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
“The figures reflect the success of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s digital vision, which places inclusive technological growth at the heart of national development,” Khawaja stated. She credited the Ministry of IT’s strategic interventions, including targeted outreach in remote communities and capacity-building programs tailored for women, for playing a pivotal role in achieving these outcomes.
Khawaja highlighted that ensuring equitable access to technology is central to Pakistan’s broader economic and social development goals. “Empowering women through digital access is not just a policy objective — it is a national imperative,” she said, adding that the ministry is actively working to integrate more women into the digital economy.
Special efforts have been made to address the barriers that previously prevented women in rural areas from accessing mobile internet, such as affordability, digital literacy, and social norms.
With improved infrastructure and community engagement initiatives, many women in these areas are now using smartphones and accessing information, education, and e-commerce platforms for the first time.
“We are seeing a digital awakening among women who had long been excluded from the technological mainstream,” Khawaja concluded. “This momentum must continue if we want to build a truly inclusive digital Pakistan.”
The ministry plans to roll out additional programs in 2025 to further reduce the gap, including digital skills training, low-cost internet packages, and localized content aimed at encouraging more women to go online.
