8 Million Women Gain Mobile Internet Access in Pakistan in 2024

In a historic advancement for digital inclusion, around 8 million women in Pakistan gained access to mobile internet in 2024. This surge contributed to a dramatic narrowing of the digital gender gap, which fell from 38% in 2023 to 25% in 2024—marking the first major reduction in three years.

The findings come from the Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025, which revealed a jump in mobile internet usage among Pakistani women from 33% in 2023 to 45% in 2024—a record-breaking 12 percentage-point increase, the highest among all surveyed nations.

Rural Outreach and Government Initiatives Drive Growth

The growth was especially pronounced among rural women, showcasing the impact of community-level digital literacy programs and infrastructure improvements. The rise aligns with Pakistan’s national digital inclusion strategy, which places strong emphasis on gender equity and rural outreach.

In total, approximately 13 million new users—including 8 million women and 5 million men—came online in 2024.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Connectivity

Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, attributed this milestone to strategic leadership and collaborative execution.

“This progress is the result of a clear vision at the top and coordinated implementation across institutions,” she stated. “Our Ministry remains committed to ensuring that no one, especially women, is left behind in Pakistan’s digital transformation.”

This progress reflects the broader Digital Nation Pakistan Vision championed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, which prioritizes inclusive and equitable access to digital resources.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Key to Success

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) acknowledged the vital contributions of organizations such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), mobile network operators, and global development partners.

Together, these stakeholders have laid the groundwork for sustainable, inclusive digital growth, helping bridge the digital divide while supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic development goals.