Pakistan has been categorized in the moderate digital development category by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a cumulative Digital Development Index (DDI) of 0.205.
The UNDP’s latest report, titled “Pakistan National Human Development Report (NHDR) 2023-2024: Doing Digital for Development: Access, Adopt, Anticipate, Accelerate,” unveiled on Tuesday, sheds light on Pakistan’s digital landscape, revealing insights crucial for its developmental trajectory.
According to the report, Pakistan’s Digital Adoption Index stands at 0.399, signaling subpar performance compared to various regions globally. Although performing below par in comparison to countries in the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America, it surpasses those in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its comparatively better human development outcomes. This discrepancy highlights the nation’s inability to harness the full potential of digital transformation, exacerbated by existing developmental challenges.
Pakistan’s Global Human Development Report indicates a low Human Development Index rank of 164 out of 193 countries, alongside a Gender Inequality Index position of 135 out of 166 countries, further compounded by digital divides.
The country’s first-ever Digital Development Index (DDI) categorizes Pakistan into the ‘moderate’ digital development category, with Punjab, Sindh, Pakistan-Administered Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan exhibiting moderate levels of digital development. In contrast, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan fall into the low digital development category.
In light of the report’s findings, the government faces substantial challenges in bridging the digital gap, particularly evident in the lack of internet access across 54.3% of the country due to infrastructural and affordability constraints. Despite boasting 87.35 million internet users and significant mobile connectivity, Pakistan’s digital transformation hinges on overcoming barriers to equitable access and digital literacy.
Addressing these challenges, the report emphasizes the critical enablers essential for transformative development, including policy reform, innovation, investments, and digital capabilities.
The unveiling ceremony, graced by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal and UNDP Assistant Administrator Kanni Wignaraja, underscored Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging technological innovation for socioeconomic advancement. Initiatives such as the establishment of National Centers of Excellence and strategic policy reforms reflect the nation’s resolve to navigate the digital age successfully.
Looking ahead, proactive strategies, coupled with sustained growth rates, are imperative for Pakistan to realize its vision of becoming a leading global economy by 2030. As the country navigates its digital transformation journey, concerted efforts are essential to ensure inclusivity and prosperity for all segments of society.
