Bytes for All, Pakistan (B4A) is pleased to announce the launch of its flagship annual report, “Pakistan’s Internet Landscape report 2023”. The comprehensive report delves into the complex relationship between human rights and information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Pakistan.
The Internet Landscape report serves as a valuable reference document that captures and examines the dynamic digital environment and its impact on various aspects of Pakistani society, including human rights, democracy, the economy, and security. It aims to offer critical information for all segments of society, and foster meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities presented by Pakistani digital landscape.
KEY INSIGHTS
Pakistan ranks 45th out of 52 countries in the World Internet Development Index (2023) despite embracing the digital revolution. Pakistan has 189.7 million and 130.1 million mobile subscribers and broadband users respectively. Nevertheless, the acceptance ratio is 45.7% for digitization, which is still not so impressive. Through an in-depth analysis of emerging trends, the report reveals several significant findings that shape the lives of Pakistani citizens. Key highlights from the report include:
- With the increasing internet acceptance in the country, freedom of expression also got derailed. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is continuously monitoring content to reduce hate speech against political and social entities. Numerous incidents have been reported during 2023.
- Due to the politically unstable landscape, the telecom and broadband sectors faced a severe loss of Rs. 2.49 billion and nearly Rs. 860 million during the blackout.
- With the growing number of online citizens, Pakistan needs to focus on safely developing its digital governance.
- To improve the internet infrastructure, which is being done by exhausting the use of IPv4 and introducing IPv6, as well as 5G with their significantly larger address space, faster speeds, enhanced wireless communication, and enhanced mobile connectivity.
- The government of Pakistan launched the “Digital Gender Inclusion Initiative” and is committed to decreasing the gender gap. Although Pakistan needs to identify the evolving middle class to tailor its digital needs accordingly, this is necessary to unlock Pakistan’s economic potential and enhance national productivity.
- The growing interest of people in digital platforms for their financial needs, such as Jazzcash, Easypaisa, Sadapay, Nayapay, Internet banking, etc., brings an air of hope.
This year’s report also contains analysis and opinion by key stakeholders and experts in various fields that intersect with ICTs, including Senator and former-Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication Rubina Khalid; Digital Rights Activist Anees Qureshi; Journalist and Founder, Daily Quetta Voice, Syed Ali Shah; and Journalist and Media Trainer Shahzaib Jillani.
The report and its executive summary are available at: Internet Landscape Report 2023
