The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP) have entered into a landmark collaboration to advance digital inclusion across Pakistan, with a focus on closing the gender digital divide. The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed at the 2025 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona by PTA Chairman Maj Gen (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman and GDIP Executive Director Sonia Jorge.
The agreement commits both organizations to cooperate on policy formulation, technical assistance, capacity building, and research to improve digital connectivity nationwide. Its four main pillars include developing inclusive policies for affordable access, supporting community-based telecom solutions, conducting training for stakeholders, and jointly monitoring progress with an emphasis on gender equality in digital access.
This partnership comes amid GSMA data revealing that only 21% of Pakistani women use mobile internet compared to 53% of men, underscoring the urgent need to address digital disparities.
Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, CEO of the Universal Service Fund (USF), highlighted the initiative’s role in expanding meaningful connectivity for marginalized rural women. PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to its Digital Gender Inclusion in ICTs Strategy, aiming to build an inclusive digital ecosystem.
With this strategic collaboration, Pakistan takes a vital step forward in its digital transformation journey to empower women, bridge connectivity gaps, and ensure equitable access to digital opportunities for all citizens.
