Digitalisation is evolving as a leading avenue for human development as it is transforming individuals, societies, and national economies. Today, new technologies are being leveraged for economic empowerment, social inclusion, improving healthcare and education. According to the global Human Development Report, Pakistan falls in low category i.e., ranking 164 among 193 countries for the Human Development Index (HDI). When compared to countries like Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia, Pakistan is trailing behind in both, the digital and human development indicators.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched Pakistan National Human Development Report(NHDR) titled, “Doing Digital for Development” in April 2024. The report highlighted the dire state of digitalisation in Pakistan as more than half of the country lacks access to the internet. This digital lag poses a significant challenge. Additionally, Digital Development Index (DDI) measured the digital growth of Pakistan’s districts and provinces. It highlighted that only a few urban districts, for example Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, have enhanced digital development and they are also performing better on human development tables as compared to the majority........

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