ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded strong gains in digital connectivity, with mobile access now reaching more than 96 per cent of households and internet use exceeding 70 per cent nationwide, according to new ICT data released under the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024–25 by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has welcomed the findings, describing them as a strong validation of sustained national efforts to expand affordable, inclusive, and reliable digital access across the country.
The survey highlights that more than 96% of households in Pakistan now have access to mobile or smartphone facilities, underscoring the near-universal reach of basic digital connectivity.
Gender parity achieved in internet use
Importantly, over 70% of households are actively using internet services, a dramatic rise from 34% in 2019, reflecting rapid growth in broadband availability, smartphone adoption, and digital awareness.
Among the provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leads with 77% household-level digital access, demonstrating notable progress in extending connectivity beyond major urban centers.
PTA noted that these achievements represent a matter of pride for the Government of Pakistan and the national telecom regulator, as they highlight the cumulative impact of policy reforms, infrastructure investment, market competition, and improved affordability of both handsets and internet services.
The results point to tangible progress toward closing the digital divide and ensuring that connectivity benefits are reaching a broad cross-section of society.
Mobile phone usage stands at 92% nationwide
At the individual level (aged 10 and above), the survey records continued upward trends. Mobile and smartphone ownership has increased from 45% in 2019 to 50% in 2025, while mobile phone usage has reached an impressive 92% nationwide.
Even more striking is the growth in individual internet use, which has surged from 17% in 2019 to 57% in 2025, marking one of the fastest expansions in digital adoption in the region.
The findings also reflect encouraging developments in digital inclusion and gender parity. Overall, men and women are using the internet at equal rates nationwide.
In urban areas, female internet usage stands at 71%, surpassing male usage at 67%, signaling positive momentum toward narrowing long-standing gender gaps in digital access and participation.
Beyond access and usage, the HIES 2024–25 data points to rising digital literacy, safer online behavior, and improving digital skills among users.
These trends suggest that connectivity is increasingly being complemented by meaningful and responsible use, which is essential for economic participation, access to services, and long-term digital resilience.
PTA has congratulated the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics on the successful release of HIES 2024–25, particularly for the comprehensive ICT indicators that provide a robust, evidence-based foundation for policymaking, regulatory planning, and future investment decisions.
The Authority emphasized that such data-driven insights are critical for shaping Pakistan’s next phase of digital growth.
These results position Pakistan as a rapidly advancing digital market of over 240 million people, with expanding opportunities in telecommunications, digital services, e-commerce, fintech, e-governance, and online education.
The strong uptake of mobile and internet services reflects a dynamic ecosystem supported by regulatory reforms, private-sector investment, and a young, increasingly connected population.
As Pakistan continues its digital transformation journey, the HIES 2024–25 findings underline the country’s growing role in the regional and global digital economy.
