Digital Doldrums: the Dilemma of Pakistan           

Recently, Pakistan National Human Development Report (NHDR) has unveiled its first ever Digital Development Index (DDI), placing Pakistan in ‘moderate’ digitally developed category, with 0.205 DDI. The report illustrates a concerning picture of Pakistan’s digitalization, highlighting that nearly 54 percent of the population lack access to modern technology. Moreover, the majority of the remaining 46 percent also experiencing challenges due to inadequate digital infrastructure. There is a significant digital gender gap, with over 80 percent of women facing restrictions in utilizing mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices imposed by male family members such as father, husband, brother, and son.

On the contrary, developed nations, considering modern world as the era of technology are swiftly adopting technological advancements for human development by bringing about socio-economic revolutions. Countries like the United States, China, various European states, and even India are formulating laws and regulations aimed to ensure their policies are conducive to technological advancements, acknowledging that the future of the world will be heavily influenced by technology. In “The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma,” Michael Bhaskar and Mustafa Suleyman anticipate that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics will potentially influence across various spheres of society in the near future.

The Government of Pakistan has introduced a digital transformation policy framework, emphasizing four key pillars: 4As-Access, Adoption, Anticipation, and Acceleration, aiming to empower the nation, digitally. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development, and Reform, has expressed the government’s vision during the launching event of the new digital policy, “The Government of Pakistan is dedicated to leveraging technological innovation to enhance livelihood opportunities, promote financial inclusion, boost employment, and facilitate efficient public services.” It is now imperative upon the relevant authorities to materialize these visions and policies outlined by state institutions in order to strengthen the country’s technological industry, recognizing that Pakistan’s future relies on its advancements in technology.