ISLAMABAD: More than half of the country’s population lacks internet access, yet districts excelling in digital transformation also boast higher levels of human development, as revealed by the inaugural Digital Development Index (DDI) report released on Tuesday.
Prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), this report forms part of the National Human Development Report 2024, spearheaded by Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
The report categorizes the country as ‘moderate’ in digital development, highlighting a gender gap with women being undeserved, as evidenced by 83.5% reporting their phone ownership being dictated by spouses or parents.
It underscores stark inequalities, with digital development in Pakistan’s wealthiest quintile being 15 times greater than the poorest, emphasizing wealth as a significant determinant.
Leading in ‘very high’ digital development is Islamabad, trailed by Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Haripur, and Abbottabad in the ‘high’ category, showcasing a strong correlation with enhanced human development outcomes.
Despite ranking low on the Human Development Index at 164 out of 193 countries and the Gender Inequality Index at 135 out of 166, the report identifies digital divides as exacerbating poor development outcomes.
UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja, highlights the underrepresentation of women and marginalized groups online, stressing the importance of targeted digital transformation efforts, particularly for Pakistan’s growing middle class, which is projected to contribute significantly to global middle-class growth, estimated at 25 million by 2030.
