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By Tanveer Ahmed :
New analysis highlights a widening digital divide, with experts warning that smartphones alone cannot drive a knowledge-based economy
Pakistan’s ambitions to build a digitally connected economy face a significant challenge, with fewer than one in 10 households owning a desktop or laptop computer, according to a new analysis by Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics.
Released on 9 July 2026, the report found that only 8.7% of households in the country have access to a desktop or laptop, highlighting the gap between widespread smartphone use and access to devices needed for education, professional work and digital innovation.
Researchers argue that while smartphones have expanded internet connectivity, they are not a substitute for computers when it comes to coding, software development, graphic design, data analysis and other activities that underpin a modern digital economy.
Pakistan trails regional and global peers
The analysis places Pakistan among the lowest-ranked countries for household computer ownership.
According to the report, Pakistan’s 8.7% ownership rate is comparable to India and Bangladesh, where around 9% of households own a computer.
In contrast, several Asian economies report significantly higher levels of computer ownership. South Korea leads with 99%, followed by Singapore (89%) and Japan (75%).
Among emerging economies, Brazil records 41%, Vietnam 27%, South Africa 26%, Sri Lanka 24%, and Indonesia 18%, all considerably higher than Pakistan.
The findings suggest that many countries at similar or lower income levels have achieved broader access to digital devices, enabling greater participation in online education, remote work and digital entrepreneurship.
Urban-rural gap remains significant
The report also highlights a sharp disparity between urban and rural Pakistan.
Computer ownership reaches 14% in urban areas, while the figure falls to just 5% in rural communities, reflecting limited access to digital infrastructure outside major cities.
Even after including tablets, overall household ownership increases only slightly to 10.1%, indicating that access to larger computing devices remains limited across the country.
The report notes that these figures are consistent with data published in the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) Survey 2024-25, reinforcing concerns about unequal access to technology.
Smartphones cannot replace computers
Researchers argue that internet access alone is not enough to support Pakistan’s digital ambitions.
Although smartphones have become the primary gateway to online services for millions of Pakistanis, they are less suitable for many professional and educational tasks that require larger screens, specialised software and greater processing power.
Computers remain essential for software development, engineering, digital content creation, research, online freelancing and advanced technical training—sectors that are increasingly contributing to economic growth worldwide.
The report warns that without wider access to computers, many students and professionals may struggle to compete in the global digital economy.
Calls for broader digital inclusion
Pakistan has launched several initiatives in recent years to expand broadband coverage, improve digital payments and promote e-governance under its broader digital transformation agenda.
However, analysts say improving internet connectivity should be accompanied by policies that make computers more affordable and accessible, particularly for students, small businesses and households in underserved areas.
Industry experts have also called for incentives such as lower import duties on educational devices, financing programmes for students and expanded computer labs in schools and universities.
As Pakistan seeks to strengthen its technology sector and digital workforce, the report argues that increasing access to productive digital tools—not just smartphones—will be essential to achieving long-term economic growth and building a competitive knowledge-based economy.
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