Pakistan remains one of the worst countries in terms of internet access, even within Asia. This was mentioned in a new comprehensive report that talks about the complex relationship between human rights and access to information technology.
The report titled “Pakistan’s Internet Landscape 2022” was written by Jahanzaib Haque, Chief Digital Strategist and Editor at Dawn, and published by Bytes For All, an organization focused on human rights and advocacy.
The report shed light on the fact that although internet usage has grown, there is still a significant portion of the population, roughly 15%, which remains without access to internet services as well as mobile or telecom services.
Add to this a lack of inclusivity and digital literacy, one of the biggest global gender gaps in access and a struggle to stay online due to loadshedding and blackouts brought on by an energy crisis and catastrophic floods, and a dismal picture emerges.
Pakistan’s overall ranking in Asia was the lowest among 22 countries and stood at 79 globally. This ranking was based on key indicators such as availability, affordability, relevance, and readiness of internet services.
There is still a significant gender disparity in both internet and mobile phone access, identifying it as a major issue in the country. The findings from the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap 2022 Report were referenced, which highlighted Pakistan’s inadequate progress in providing access to females. However, the report did acknowledge a slight narrowing of the gender gap over time.
The report also discussed the impact of government policies on internet access in Pakistan. According to the report, the government has imposed restrictions on internet access for various reasons, including national security concerns, but these policies have been criticized for being excessive and hampering internet access and freedom of expression.
The government’s recent decision to impose a digital tax on internet services was also mentioned in the report. This tax has been criticized by digital rights activists who argue that it will make internet access more expensive for people, particularly those who are already struggling to afford it.
The report also highlighted the importance of digital literacy in increasing internet access in the country. It called on the government to invest in programs that educate people about the benefits of the internet and how to use it effectively.
In addition to government policies, the report also discussed the role of private sector companies in improving internet access in Pakistan. It noted that private sector companies have made significant investments in improving internet infrastructure in the country, but more needs to be done to ensure that these investments benefit all segments of society, particularly those in rural areas.
The report called for greater collaboration between the government, private sector companies, and civil society organizations to address the challenges facing internet access in Pakistan. It also recommended that the government prioritize internet access as a key component of its development agenda, and allocate more resources towards improving internet infrastructure and digital literacy.
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In conclusion, the report underscores the urgent need for Pakistan to improve internet access and digital literacy in order to ensure that all segments of society can benefit from the opportunities offered by the internet. It also calls on the government, private sector companies, and civil society organizations to work together to address the challenges facing internet access in the country.
