Low digital literacy, poor network barriers to internet inclusion in Pakistan: The Economist

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published March 02, 2020

ISLAMABAD—Low levels of digital literacy and relatively poor network quality are major impediments to internet inclusion in Pakistan, according to The Economist’s Inclusive Internet Index 2020.

Though Pakistan’s overall ranking is 76, the country falls into the last of index countries overall, and it ranks 24th out of 26 Asian nations.

“Notable among its weaknesses are by far the largest gender gaps in the index, in both mobile and Internet access,” The Economist said.

On the availability of internet, Pakistan ranks 86th, but its ranking improves to 57th place on the index for affordability. On the relevance, Pakistan again dips to 71st place and slightly improves to 64th place for readiness.

In the overall ranking of internet inclusiveness, the top ten countries are Sweden, New Zealand, United States, Australia and Denmark tied at 4th place, South Korea, Canada, United Kingdom, France, and Spain.

The overall Index score is based on the scores of the availability, affordability, relevance, and readiness categories. Availability examines the quality and breadth of available infrastructure required for access and levels of internet usage while affordability is the cost of access relative to income and the level of competition in the internet marketplace. Relevance examines the existence and extent of local language content, and relevant content and readiness look at the capacity to access the internet, including skills, cultural acceptance, and supporting policy.

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025:  Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 April 10, 2025:  The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 April 08, 2025:  Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 April 07, 2025:  The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.