By Samra Hamid
As the world rapidly advances into the digital age, Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture, particularly in regions like Balochistan, where the digital divide remains a significant barrier to progress.
Despite notable advancements in internet connectivity and digital infrastructure across the country, Balochistan lags far behind, emphasizing on the urgent need for targeted interventions. The statistics and realities of the digital landscape in Pakistan at the start of 2024 highlight both the progress made and the glaring disparities that still exist. At the beginning of 2024, Pakistan had 111.0 million internet users, representing 45.7 percent of the total population. This marked a significant increase, with 24 million new users joining the digital sphere between January 2023-2024 a notable increase of users with a 27.1 percent growth rate was observed. However, despite this growth, 54.3 percent of Pakistan’s population, approximately 131.8 million people, remained offline. The situation is even more dire in regions like Balochistan, where internet penetration is significantly below the national average.
The digital divide in Balochistan is a stark reminder of the inequalities that persist in our increasingly connected world. Despite its vast potential, Balochistan remains one of the most digitally isolated regions in the country. Bridging this divide is not just a matter of technological advancement; it is a critical step towards social equity, economic development, and the fulfillment of fundamental rights. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), internet penetration in Balochistan is only 15 percent, much behind the national average of 45.7 percent. In many remote areas, basic connectivity is either non-existent or highly unreliable. This lack of access exacerbates existing social and economic disparities, leaving the people of Balochistan further marginalized in an era where digital connectivity is synonymous with opportunity.
The lack of digital infrastructure, particularly the limited deployment of fiber-optic networks, is a major contributor to this divide. As of 2013, around 60 percent of Balochistan did not have access to fiber-optic cables, a situation that has not seen substantial improvement in the years since. The consequences of this digital isolation are profound. For instance, in education, students in Balochistan are deprived of online learning opportunities, digital resources, and educational tools that are increasingly essential for modern education. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted this gap, as students in urban areas continued their education online while many in Balochistan were left behind, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The rapid digital expansion across most of Pakistan has opened numerous opportunities for economic growth, education, and social interaction, particularly through social media platforms. With 71.70 million social media users at the start of 2024—representing 29.5 percent of the total population—Pakistan is increasingly capitalizing on the digital economy. Platforms like YouTube, which alone reaches 64.6 percent of the country’s internet users, have become vital for earning opportunities, digital content creation, and access to global markets. However, the benefits of this digital boom are far from evenly distributed.
In Balochistan, where internet penetration remains drastically low, the lack of digital infrastructure means that these opportunities are largely inaccessible. The province’s stark digital divide leaves its population at a significant disadvantage compared to the rest of the country. While urban areas in Punjab, Sindh, and other regions thrive on these digital platforms, using them to generate income, enhance education, and engage in e-commerce, the people of Balochistan are left out, unable to participate in these lucrative opportunities. The disparity is exacerbated by the fact that, despite Pakistan having 188.9 million cellular mobile connections—equivalent to 77.8 percent of the total population—this connectivity does not translate into meaningful internet access in Balochistan. The province’s limited infrastructure, particularly the lack of widespread fiber-optic networks, means that even those with mobile connections cannot reliably access the internet. This exclusion from the digital world perpetuates economic inequalities, as Balochistan’s residents are unable to tap into the same income-generating activities that are rapidly transforming the lives of people in more connected parts of the country.
Economic opportunities are similarly stifled. In today’s global economy, digital literacy and internet access are critical for participation in the job market. The absence of these resources in Balochistan means that its population is largely excluded from the benefits of digital entrepreneurship, remote work, and e-commerce. This not only limits individual income potential but also hampers the overall economic development of the region.
The digital divide in Balochistan has far-reaching implications. In education, students in Balochistan are at a severe disadvantage compared to their peers in more connected regions. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this gap, as students in Balochistan struggled to access online learning platforms due to poor internet connectivity. While students in urban centers like Lahore and Karachi continued their education through online classes, many in Balochistan were left behind, widening the educational divide.
Efforts to bridge the digital divide have proven successful in other parts of the world, offering valuable lessons for Balochistan. In India, the Digital India initiative has made significant strides in expanding internet access to rural areas. By focusing on infrastructure development, digital literacy programs, and public-private partnerships. India has been able to bring millions of people online, driving economic growth and social inclusion. Moreover, Closer to home, the Universal Service Fund (USF) in Pakistan has undertaken projects to extend broadband services to underserved areas, including parts of Balochistan. However, these efforts need to be scaled up and supported by more comprehensive policies to create lasting change.
To effectively bridge the digital divide in Balochistan, a multi-faceted approach is needed. The government must prioritize expanding broadband infrastructure in Balochistan. For long-term planning, promoting urbanization and developing small towns with all essential facilities would be beneficial. In the immediate term, making internet services more affordable for the people of Balochistan is crucial. One approach could involve utilizing existing network towers more effectively, offering incentives to service providers, and introducing low-cost internet packages specifically for rural areas. This could be further supported by subsidies, special pricing models for low-income users, or implementing public Wi-Fi initiatives in rural communities. Furthermore, for areas with comparatively greater population installation of fiber-optic cables and the establishment of more mobile towers to ensure reliable internet access across the province.
Comprehensive digital literacy programs should be introduced to empower the local population with the skills needed to utilize digital tools effectively. This includes training in schools, as well as community-based programs for adults. The government should collaborate with the private sector to leverage expertise and resources. Partnerships with tech companies, NGOs, and international organizations can accelerate digital inclusion efforts. A robust policy framework is essential to guide digital inclusion efforts. The government should implement policies that encourage investment in digital infrastructure, protect consumer rights, and promote digital entrepreneurship in Balochistan. Developing digital content in local languages and tailoring online services to the specific needs of Balochistan’s population can increase engagement and make digital tools more accessible.
Author: Samra Hamid – Research Fellow Balochistan Think Tank Network, Quetta.
(The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).
Image Source: University of Gwadar.