Pakistan lags significantly in digital connectivity, ranking near the bottom globally for internet speeds. This poor performance highlights a critical infrastructure gap. The nation is falling behind its regional peers, jeopardizing its economic and technological future. This digital divide is not just a statistic; it represents a major hurdle for development and global competitiveness in the modern, interconnected world.
Mobile Internet: A Stark Regional Contrast
In mobile internet performance, Pakistan ranks a low 98th globally. Users experience average download speeds of just 25 Mbps. This places the country behind its key regional neighbors. India has surged ahead to 27th place, demonstrating remarkable progress. Similarly, Sri Lanka holds the 78th position, and Bangladesh is ranked 92nd. This contrast underscores Pakistan’s relative decline in the regional digital landscape.
Fixed Broadband: An Even Deeper Divide
The situation for fixed broadband is considerably more dire. Pakistan finds itself in 144th place worldwide. The average download speed is a mere 18 Mbps, severely limiting potential. Again, regional comparisons are unfavorable. India is positioned at 99th, while Bangladesh is close behind at 98th. Sri Lanka, however, ranks lower at 164th. This deep divide cripples home-based businesses and remote work opportunities.
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The Global Speed Benchmark
The global averages for internet speed highlight Pakistan’s immense challenge. Worldwide, the average mobile internet speed is nearly 60 Mbps. This is more than double what Pakistani users experience. For fixed broadband, the global average is around 100 Mbps. This staggering gap illustrates how far the nation must go to provide its citizens and businesses with modern, competitive digital tools essential for growth.
The Urgent Need for Progress
Analysts emphasize that these numbers are an urgent call for action. Improving internet infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a critical necessity. Faster, more reliable connectivity is the backbone of a modern economy. It is fundamental for education, e-commerce, and government services. Without immediate investment, Pakistan risks further isolation in the global digital economy, widening existing socioeconomic gaps.
Driving Economic and IT Growth
Enhanced digital infrastructure could be a powerful catalyst for growth. It can directly benefit the struggling IT sector, enabling it to compete internationally. Reliable internet fuels innovation, attracts foreign investment, and creates high-value jobs. It also supports other economic sectors through digitalization. For education, it enables e-learning and access to global knowledge, building a more skilled future workforce.
A Path Forward
Bridging this digital gap requires concerted government and private sector investment. Policies must encourage competition and infrastructure development in telecommunications. Prioritizing digital literacy and affordable access is equally crucial. The goal must be to build a robust, future-proof digital foundation. This will ensure Pakistan can not only catch up with its neighbors but also thrive in the global digital arena.
