IT Ministry Records Landmark Progress in Women’s Digital Inclusion as Mobile Internet Gender Gap Falls to 8%

Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in digital inclusion, with the latest GSMA Consumer Survey 2026 reporting significant progress in women’s mobile internet adoption and a sharp reduction in the mobile internet gender gap.

According to the findings, women’s mobile internet adoption in Pakistan has increased from just 8% in 2017 to 53% in 2025, reflecting a substantial transformation in digital access and participation among women across the country.

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

The survey further highlights that women adopted mobile internet at a faster rate than men over the past year, contributing to the accelerated reduction in the digital gender divide.

Welcoming the findings, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication stated that the results reflect Pakistan’s growing momentum toward a more inclusive digital future and underscore the importance of expanding affordable connectivity, digital literacy, and access to technology for women.

“The increasing participation of women in Pakistan’s digital ecosystem is a positive indicator of progress toward digital inclusion and socio-economic empowerment. Greater access to mobile internet enables women to participate more actively in education, entrepreneurship, financial services, healthcare, and the broader digital economy,” the Ministry said.

The report also shows that overall mobile internet adoption in Pakistan has risen significantly, reaching 58% of the adult population in 2025, compared to 26% in 2017, demonstrating the expanding reach of digital services nationwide.

However, the findings indicate that many women still face constraints in accessing personal digital devices. Approximately 28% of women mobile internet users access the internet through someone else’s device, highlighting the need for greater affordability and access to smartphones and digital tools.

Importantly, the report underscores the significant economic opportunity associated with closing the digital gender gap. According to GSMA estimates, eliminating the mobile internet gender gap in Pakistan over an eight-year period could generate up to US$55 billion in additional GDP, creating opportunities for growth, innovation, productivity, and inclusion.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to advancing the Government’s Digital Nation Pakistan vision by promoting universal connectivity, strengthening digital skills, improving affordability of devices, and ensuring an enabling environment for women and girls to fully participate in the digital economy.