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In the rapidly developed digital period, Pakistan is at an important confluence. A nation of more than 240 million people, under the age of 30, is witnessing an extraordinary increase in technical integration in governance, economy, education and civil society.
From the use of artificial intelligence in the judiciary to satellite monitoring in the forest management, the digitalization is rewriting Pakistan’s latest development story. But along with this progress, important concerns are sustained around policy harmony, digital rights, cybercrime and regulatory uncertainty.
Since the state is trying to manage an unstable technical landscape, questions of more importance, transparency and accountability are gaining more importance than ever before. Data collected from various sources and public data by the Freedom Network has revealed that Pakistan is undergoing a new digital phase of cyber security and digital media potential.
Governance in the era of algorithm
Pakistan’s march towards digital governance has taken a significant pace. Federal and provincial governments have initiated several steps to digitalize education, public safety, law enforcement agencies and environmental surveillance. In Punjab, systems like the thermal forest monitoring have identified a change towards the performance of e -governance. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, forest monitoring has benefited from the deployment of technology.
The Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority is a sign of an important development in the gender sensitive digital governance. Putting women in the heart of decision -making and implementation, the authority promises a unique model of comprehensive governance.
Sparko is demanding to participate in Pakistan’s first human -friendly space mission at China’s space station and participate in the upcoming deployment of Pakistani astronauts. The moving forward should lay the foundation for regulatory reforms and capabilities, lest it remains symbolic instead.
A digital economy in off -off
The key Pakistani startup has increased by more than $ 1 billion over the past decade, indicating investors’ confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem. In the second quarter of 2025, the Raast digital payment platform reached a total of Rs 6.4 trillion. Its exports increased by 23 % in just three months. IT parks growth in districts like Digital FDI Forum 2025, such as Attock and Foreign Investment, reflects the overall digital economy of $ 700 million, which has immense potential.
Digital Pakistan Policy 2018, although well -intentioned, lacked viable goals and is old despite the rapid interruption. The absence of a comprehensive crypto policy criticizing the Peshawar High Court and the Federal Tax Ombudsman and the Federal Bureau of Revenue Crypto tax imposing issues, highlights the invasion of policy in a high risk digital domain.
From expression to supervision
Digital landscape is also becoming a battlefield for civil liberties. Journalists, musicians, content creators and rights activists have filed cases against the prevention of the Electronic Crimes Act, often for content that criticize for controversial or state institutions. The issues of composer Salman Ahmed and lawyer activist Jalila Haider highlight the concerns of the state’s growing intolerance in the state of disagreement over digital vacancies.
Even state actors do not have immunity. A Karachi police officer was briefly detained for a social media post criticizing the president. On the fourth schedule, the move to electronically tags has raised moral and legal questions about security and surveillance in the name of security.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency offers hope for a more special response to cyber risks. But in fact, the protection of the digital rights of citizens, the state has to develop a rights -based digital governance framework.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency offers hope for a more special response to cyber risks. But in order to truly protect the digital rights of citizens, Pakistan must move beyond legal proceedings and develop a rights -based digital governance framework.
Contacts and Star Link
In the midst of this flow, access to the Internet and the ability to be controversial. Since the Star Link is awaiting the final regulatory approval from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority, the telecom operators are cautious. Although satellite internet promises to contact remote areas, its high cost has raised concerns that it can meet the elite but not less.
Meanwhile, giants like PTCL and Telenor continue to emphasize stability, hoping that the integration will help them to counter obstacles in the future. The delay in the approval of the Competition Commission of Pakistan is giving frustration and uncertainty.
PTA License VPN Services move and launch of temporary mobile registration system for visitors and steps to modernize digital infrastructure. But poor rural contacts, bureaucratic connectivity and contradictory regulatory implementation are obstructed in digital equity.
Digital Defense or Distopia?
Banking Mohatasib resolved more than 27,000 fraud complaints in just 2024, recovering more than Rs 1.65 billion. These figures not only reflect the volume of cybercrime, but also reflect the gaps in digital awareness and infrastructure. Dialogue experts at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute have warned that without unanimous and modern data protection laws, Pakistan’s digital expansion could jeopardize financial protection, personal privacy and public confidence.
Ai a two -edged sword
Although the Supreme Court and the provincial governments, including Balochistan, are looking for AI for performance, education and governance, there is little explanation about moral security measures or the reduction of prejudice. The State Bank of Pakistan is drafting AI -use guidelines for banks.
Ed Tech and AI -powered tools, such as Khan Academy’s Khanmago, are changing education, but only for those who access them. Poor Chrome Box distributed in Islamabad schools points to a deep problem: Digital participation not only requires willingness to welcome technology, but also quality control, rehabilitation and training.
Talking for people
Pakistan’s digital rights supporters and civil society groups are under great pressure. Supporting prohibited movements, criticizing institutions or even emphasizing policy reforms can invite the state’s reaction. Nevertheless, their role is essential to ensuring the human -focused digital future.
International organizations and platforms, such as the United Nations as well as a domestic actor, are demanding the protection of transparency in data governance, equal internet access and free expression. The real test for Pakistan lies in whether it can eliminate the gap between advocacy and action.
How does this increase
Pakistan is no less on digital ambitions. From the AI to 5G extension, the country is developing a new identity, from Fine Tech Innovation and Satellite Space Cooperation with China. Its power will depend on how it is made, transparent and responsible.
Digital Pakistan should work for all its people. This means that universal Internet access, secure online places, laws respect for rights, effective governance and moral innovation. Since the new technology explains what it means, what the government, learning, trade and survival means, Pakistan has to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
The promise is real. There is a danger. The time has come to get policies and people in the Frontier.
The author is an independent journalist and social worker. He can finish @ thtewslkl@gmail.com
