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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded significant gains in digital connectivity and internet usage, with new official data showing a sharp rise in mobile access and online adoption across households and individuals nationwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has welcomed the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) findings released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) under the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024-25, which demonstrate a substantial expansion in digital connectivity across the country, state-run APP reported.&nbsp;The survey indicates that over 96% of households in Pakistan have access to mobile or smartphone facilities, while more than 70% of these households are using internet services, compared to only 34% in 2019, said a press release. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leads in household-level digital access at 77%, reflecting encouraging progress.&nbsp;Improved affordabilityThis achievement is a matter of pride for the government of Pakistan and the regulator, highlighting sustained efforts toward deeper access, service availability, and improved affordability of handsets and internet facilities for households.&nbsp;At the individual level (aged 10+), mobile and smartphone ownership has increased from 45% in 2019 to 50% in 2025, while 92% of individuals are using mobile phones nationwide.&nbsp;Internet usage at the individual level has risen markedly from 17% in 2019 to 57% in 2025. It is encouraging to note that women and men are equally using the internet overall, with higher female usage in urban areas (71%) compared to men (67%).&nbsp;The survey also reflects growing digital awareness, safer online practices, and improved digital capabilities. PTA congratulates PBS on the release of HIES 2024-25, particularly the ICT indicators that provide a strong evidence base for informed policy making and regulatory planning.

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The survey indicates that over 96% of households in Pakistan have access to mobile or smartphone facilities, while more than 70% of these households are using internet services, compared to only 34% in 2019.

Articles tagged with "Pakistan internet usage"

Pakistan sees digital leap with 96% mobile access, 70% internet use