Women in Pakistan remain significantly disadvantaged in terms of mobile ownership and internet access, according to a diagnostic report titled Pakistan’s Digital Ecosystem released by the Asian Development Bank. The report references findings from GSMA’s 2023 Mobile Gender Gap Report, which reveals that Pakistani women are 35% less likely than men to own a mobile phone. Mobile phone ownership among men is recorded at 81%, compared to 52% among women. Additionally, women are 38% less likely to use mobile internet services.
A key observation from the report is the issue of shared usage—many women in Pakistan rely on mobile devices that are registered under male relatives’ names, which distorts official statistics and makes it difficult to assess the actual level of internet access among women. Cultural and societal norms often play a central role in determining whether a woman can independently own or use a digital device.
Barriers to digital inclusion for women include lack of family approval, which until 2019 was the top-cited barrier and remains a significant constraint. Online harassment also disproportionately affects women, with 5% of women reporting concerns about receiving unwanted calls or messages, compared to 3% of men. Moreover, 2% of women reported fears regarding identity theft or misuse of private information, concerns that were not echoed by male respondents.
Gaps in digital skills continue to widen the gender divide. Women represent only 14% of graduates in information and communication technology fields, and computer literacy data indicates a 35% gender gap. These disparities are more pronounced in rural regions, where women face compounded barriers including limited mobility, lower education levels, and fewer economic resources. Infrastructure challenges, cultural restrictions, and security concerns further hinder digital access in remote areas.
The report also outlines how high costs of devices and poor digital literacy aggravate the situation, especially among low-income and rural populations. While urban populations generally have greater access to broadband and better infrastructure, large sections of rural Pakistan remain digitally excluded. Even in areas where internet access is available, affordability of smartphones and data packages remains a key obstacle to inclusion.
Pakistan’s digital ecosystem continues to evolve, shaped by rapid advancements in cloud computing, automation, and new workplace models such as hybrid and remote work. However, the growth remains uneven, with stark regional disparities and gender-based exclusions posing significant challenges. Addressing this digital divide requires comprehensive efforts, including investment in rural infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and policy initiatives that promote equitable access to technology.
Closing the gender and regional gaps in mobile and internet access is vital for expanding economic opportunities, improving education outcomes, and ensuring broader participation in Pakistan’s growing digital economy. Bridging these gaps will enable more citizens to engage with digital tools that are increasingly central to public services, commerce, and innovation.
