In 1990, Pakistan’s distinguished economist Dr Mahbub ul Haq reshaped global development debates with the first Human Development Index (HDI), shifting the focus from economic growth to human progress—emphasising opportunities for people to live long, healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, and to enjoy a decent standard of living. Pakistan’s latest National Human Development Report (2023/24) carries this legacy forward, highlighting digital transformation as a cornerstone of human development.
Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Council declared internet access a basic human right, a sentiment echoed in Pakistan, where the right to information is guaranteed under Article 19-A. With the internet’s growing role in every aspect of life, there is a strong movement to recognise digital rights, including the right to connect. Yet, while Pakistan strives to embrace digitalisation, millions in Balochistan remain plunged into digital darkness, their opportunities and choices severed with the flick of a switch.
Digitalisation offers transformative opportunities for development—improved access to education, healthcare, and employment, expanded access to finance, enhanced efficiency, and greater avenues for social engagement. But these prospects hinge on access to digital infrastructure, digital literacy, the capacity to adopt and digital transformation.
To what extent is Pakistan digital?
The country has 116 million internet users, with a penetration rate of 45.7%. It has 66.9 million social media users and 190 million active cellular connections. Yet global indices reveal significant gaps: Pakistan ranks 79th out of 120 countries on the Inclusive Internet Index, 96th out of 117 in the Digital Quality of Life Index, 45th out of 52 countries in the World Internet Development Index and 136th out of 193 in the E-Governance Development Index. While affordability is a relative strength, accessibility and relevance lag behind, leaving millions disconnected from the digital age. Our recent study reveals Pakistan’s digital literacy is alarmingly low at 4.2%, with digital usage at 20.1% and 93% of individuals yet to experience digital transformation. In marginalised areas like Balochistan, these figures are even bleaker.
According to a Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) study, the closure of 3G/4G services in the country causes businesses to face a direct loss of around PKR 1.3 billion, or 0.57% of GDP, per day
In Balochistan, the digital divide is starkly evident. For over three weeks, authorities have suspended mobile internet across all 36 districts, including the provincial capital, Quetta, citing security concerns amid regional unrest. The suspension will continue until 31 August. This blackout, however, goes beyond temporary inconvenience—it isolates a province already struggling with poor development indicators.
Only 2% of the province’s population uses landline internet, meaning the mobile network shutdown cuts off 98% of residents from their right to connect. This enforced digital darkness stifles education, with students unable to access online classes; it cripples trade, with small businesses losing e-commerce opportunities; and it severs access to e-finance and healthcare, deepening isolation from the rest of Pakistan and the world. According to media sources, online food businesses are affected by the internet cut-out in the province, leaving the lives of more than 1,000 people at risk. Most of the people regard this ban as unnecessary and unfair.
What are the economic costs of internet closure?
According to a Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) study, the closure of 3G/4G services in the country causes businesses to face a direct loss of around PKR 1.3 billion, or 0.57% of GDP, per day. The breakdown of sectoral losses is as follows: Telecommunication Sector – PKR 450 million; Financial Sector – PKR 325 million; Online Cab Services – PKR 30 million; Online Food Delivery Services – PKR 135 million; Freelancing Services – PKR 390 million; Commercial Inter-City Public Transport Services – Loss of Revenue/Business PKR 400 to 500 million; and Postal Services & Couriers – 2 to 4 days’ delivery delay per consignment.
However, in the context of Balochistan, the repercussions of mobile internet closure go beyond the economic cost. In fact, it will further deteriorate the development indicators in the region as a whole and predominantly in the remote districts which are already disconnected from the provincial capital and the rest of the country. Additionally, the prolonged suspension in the province undermines Dr Haq’s vision of human development centred on expanding opportunities and choices. More importantly, this will augment the sense of deprivation and resentment among the youth.
But the good news is that on 15 August, the Balochistan High Court directed the provincial government to review its blanket suspension of mobile and data services and to immediately restore public transport. It stated that this act is a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 9 (security of person), 15 (freedom of movement etc.), 18 (freedom of trade, business and profession), 19-A (right to information) and 25 (equality of citizens) of the Constitution.
So what must the provincial government do – and do now?
Restoring mobile internet is an urgent and first step. The government should adopt a district-specific, time-bound suspension policy only in areas of active security threats. And ensure partial access rather than full closure, so essential services remain functional.
Secondly, there must be some emergency Internet Access Zones (IEZs), where people can access the internet securely, even if general mobile services are suspended.
Finally, in the long run, overcoming regional divides requires treating digital access as a fundamental right by expanding digital infrastructure and promoting digital literacy programmes, as digital adaptation is no longer a choice but a necessity for building an inclusive, resilient, and competitive Pakistan.
Let us flick the switch back on and bring Balochistan out of digital darkness.