Pakistan has recorded a significant improvement in digital inclusion, with the mobile internet gender gap narrowing to a historic low, according to the GSMA Consumer Survey 2026.

The report shows that women’s mobile internet adoption in Pakistan has risen sharply from 8% in 2017 to 53% in 2025, reflecting a major expansion in digital access among women.

At the same time, the mobile internet gender gap has declined from 71% in 2017 to 25% in 2024, and further dropped to 8% in 2025, marking the lowest level recorded so far.

The findings indicate that women adopted mobile internet at a faster rate than men over the past year, accelerating progress in narrowing the digital divide.

Overall mobile internet penetration in the country also increased significantly, reaching 58% of adults in 2025, compared to 26% in 2017, highlighting rapid growth in digital connectivity nationwide.

However, the report notes that access challenges remain. Around 28% of women mobile internet users still rely on someone else’s device to go online, pointing to affordability and device ownership barriers.

The GSMA estimates that closing the remaining mobile internet gender gap could unlock up to US$55 billion in additional GDP for Pakistan over the next eight years, driven by improved productivity, inclusion, and economic participation.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication said the results reflect Pakistan’s progress toward a more inclusive digital economy and reaffirm the government’s focus on expanding connectivity, digital literacy, and affordable access to technology, particularly for women.

Officials said the government remains committed to advancing the Digital Nation Pakistan vision through improved infrastructure and broader digital empowerment initiatives.