Islamabad, August 2024: Pakistan is poised to unlock its economic potential through
accelerated digital transformation, according to a new report, “Realising Pakistan’s Aspiration to
become a Digital Nation,” launched today by the GSMA at its Digital Nation Summit Islamabad.
The report underscores the country’s significant strides in mobile connectivity and smartphone
adoption while outlining a clear path to maximise these gains for the benefit of its citizens.
However, achieving these aspirations will require concrete action and reforms.
Mr Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform
was the chief guest at the Digital Nation Summit Islamabad, where he reiterated the
government’s commitment to building a Digital Pakistan and emphasised the government’s
support for the tech industry and startups, alongside efforts to foster innovation and drive digital
progress.
The GSMA’s supporting report revealed a substantial increase in mobile broadband coverage in
Pakistan, with 81% of the adult population now in areas covered by 3G or 4G networks, up from
just 15% in 2010. Additionally, smartphone ownership reached 63% by the end of 2023.
However, only 23% of the population subscribes to mobile internet services, underlining the
scale of the challenge to connect the unconnected.
The report reveals the blueprint to address these challenges: infrastructure, innovation, data
governance, security, and people. These five pillars are the foundation for a thriving digital
nation. The report emphasises the importance of financial reforms and strategic initiatives.
Recommendations include eliminating the 15% Advance Income Tax and the 19.5% sales tax
on mobile services, addressing high spectrum prices, and introducing a smartphone financing
policy to improve access to affordable devices. Additionally, the GSMA advocates for a rational
approach to spectrum pricing ahead of the planned 5G spectrum auction in early 2025.
Julian Gorman, Head of APAC at the GSMA, said: “Pakistan has the potential to realise its
aspiration to become a Digital Nation. First it must scale its connected population to strengthen
its basic digital economy enabler. Then by adopting a whole-of-government approach and
investing in the five key pillars of infrastructure, innovation, data governance, security, and
people, Pakistan can unlock its full digital potential, improve the lives of its citizens, and drive
sustainable economic growth. The GSMA is committed to supporting the country’s digital
journey and working in partnership to build a connected, inclusive, and prosperous future.”
However, achieving these goals requires addressing significant regulatory and fiscal challenges.
While market reforms are hoped for, without changes to the regulatory framework and a
reduction in tax, progress will be limited, and the substantial usage gap will remain difficult to
bridge.
Adding to the momentum, the upcoming edition of M360 Asia Pacific in Seoul this October will
see the release of the first pan-Asia Pacific Digital Nation Report, which will compare the digital
progress of 20 nations across the Asia Pacific region. This event follows the recently published
Mobile Economy APAC 2024 Report, which highlights key trends and insights shaping the
mobile industry in the Asia Pacific region. The report provides valuable data and analysis on the
growth trajectory and economic impact of mobile technology, reinforcing the strategic
importance of digital advancement in Pakistan and beyond.
M360 Asia Pacific 2024, 1-2 October
Delegates attending this year’s edition of M360 Asia Pacific in Seoul will have the opportunity to
hear from thought leaders and attend keynotes and panel discussions covering key topics such
as how AI is reshaping business services, 5G acceleration and IoT (Internet of Things).
M360 Asia Pacific is brought in partnership with Host Sponsor, KT and will convene leading
industry figures and policymakers from across the region. We welcome members of the media
to pre-register for M360 Asia Pacific, taking place at Westin Josun, Seoul.
About GSMA
The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and
deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our
vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive.
Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent
industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good,
Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling
today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make
mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at
the MWC and M360 series of events.
