According to GSMA’s Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025, Pakistani women are now using mobile internet faster than their counterparts in India and Bangladesh, marking a major digital breakthrough in South Asia. The gender gap in mobile internet usage dropped significantly in Pakistan, from 38% to 25%, with 45% of women using mobile internet in 2024, compared to 39% in India and 26% in Bangladesh.
GSMA attributed this progress to the efforts of telecom operators and regulators like the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which launched a digital gender inclusion strategy in 2020. A significant driver of this shift has been rural women, with around 8 million women accessing mobile internet for the first time in 2024.
Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim emphasized that these numbers reflect a substantial digital empowerment shift, connecting women to education, healthcare, and income opportunities. However, challenges remain, particularly in rural and low-income areas where affordability and social norms still limit smartphone ownership. The report calls for continued awareness efforts to ensure safe and effective access for all women in Pakistan.
Increased awareness has played a role, with 89% of men and 86% of women now aware of mobile internet services.
