Bridging the Digital Divide in Pakistan

Let’s be honest, when it comes to digital skills, Pakistan is like that one student who arrives at the exam hall with a pen but forgot to study. The exam? The global race for digital transformation. The stakes? Economic prosperity, global competitiveness, and, of course, the future of an entire generation.

So, why is Pakistan lagging behind in an era where digital literacy is practically a survival skill?

It’s not just about poor internet connection (though that doesn’t help). It is a complex blend of outdated education systems, limited access to resources, and a lack of forward-thinking policies. But here's the silver lining, this gap isn’t unbridgeable. There are solutions; some are obvious, others not so much, that can help Pakistan close this yawning digital divide and position itself on the global stage.

Let’s unravel the challenges, and explore how we can turn things around.

Before we get into the details, let’s clarify what we mean by the “digital skills gap.” Simply put, it's the mismatch between the skills employers need to thrive in the digital economy and the skills that employees (or prospective employees) actually have. And let’s not sugarcoat it, Pakistan has a glaring gap in this area.

In today’s world, digital skills go beyond just knowing how to use Microsoft Word or sending an email. The digital economy requires skills in areas like data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and web development, to name a few. However, a significant portion of Pakistan’s workforce isn’t trained in these fields, making it hard for the country to compete in an increasingly digitized global economy.

So, what’s causing this gap, and why does it seem to be growing faster than your list of unread WhatsApp messages?

The Root Causes of the Digital Skills Gap in Pakistan

1. Outdated Education System: Teaching Yesterday’s Skills for Today’s Economy

The education system in Pakistan is, to put it mildly, not keeping up with the times. Most of the curriculum still emphasizes rote learning and theoretical knowledge rather than practical, hands-on skills. This means students graduate with degrees but no real understanding of the tools and technologies driving the modern economy.

Take coding, for instance. In many developed nations, kids are learning how to code before they can properly tie their shoelaces. In Pakistan, coding is still seen as something reserved for computer science majors at the university level. By the time they graduate, the coding languages they learned are practically obsolete.

Case in point: 苹果 co-founder Steve Jobs once said that “everyone should learn how to code; it teaches you how to think.” In Pakistan, students are still learning how to memorize, not how to think. And, this isn’t just anecdotal evidence. According to a 2020 report by the World Economic Forum , the Pakistani education system ranks 129th out of 140 in the world when it comes to the quality of education. You do the math.

2. Limited Access to Technology and the Internet: The Great Divide

Access to digital tools and the internet is a fundamental requirement for acquiring digital skills. Yet, in Pakistan, only about 25% of the population has access to the internet. That’s a quarter of the population trying to compete in a global economy where nearly everyone else is online 24/7.

It's hard to learn digital marketing or coding when you’re stuck in a load-shedding zone without reliable internet access. Even in urban areas, where connectivity is better, the infrastructure leaves much to be desired. In rural areas, it’s almost non-existent.

One can argue that things are improving. After all, the government has rolled out several initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access. But let's be honest, at the current rate of progress, by the time everyone gets decent internet, AI will have replaced most jobs anyway.

3. Cultural Resistance: Not Everyone Sees the Value in Digital Skills

You’d think that in 2024, everyone would recognize the importance of digital literacy. Yet, there’s still a surprising amount of cultural resistance to technology in Pakistan. Whether it’s the age-old belief that “real jobs” involve hands-on, physical labor, or a general mistrust of technology, many still don’t see the value in acquiring digital skills.

Parents, for instance, still push their children towards traditional career paths like medicine, engineering, or law, despite the fact that the future belongs to those who can navigate the digital world. And if you’re someone who’s excited about a career in AI or data science, chances are you’ve had to explain multiple times that no, you’re not wasting your life on computers.

4. Government Policies: Too Little, Too Slow

While there have been some positive moves on the policy front, such as the launch of Digital Pakistan Vision, progress has been slow, and implementation even slower. Bureaucracy, red tape, and a lack of urgency have all contributed to the slow pace of change.

Take the Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Programme as an example. It was designed to empower youth by providing training and financial support for startups, but ask around, and you’ll hear countless stories of inefficiencies, delays, and difficulties in accessing the funds.

Simply put, the government has big plans, but the execution often leaves much to be desired.

Real-World Consequences: What Happens When the Digital Skills Gap Widens?

Moving on ahead, let’s talk about the consequences of this growing gap. Because if you think it’s just a matter of missing out on a few coding jobs, think again.

1. Missed Economic Opportunities

According to 麦肯锡 , countries that fail to address their digital skills gap could lose out on trillions in economic value by 2030. For Pakistan, this could mean missing the chance to grow its digital economy, attract foreign investment, and create millions of jobs.

Take India, for instance. The country has invested heavily in developing digital skills, and the results speak for themselves. India’s IT and digital sectors are now worth over $194 billion, and the country is home to some of the world’s largest tech companies. Meanwhile, Pakistan is still trying to figure out how to get its freelancers paid through PayPal .

2. Youth Unemployment

With over 64% of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan is one of the youngest countries in the world. This is both a blessing and a curse. Without the right skills, this youth bulge could lead to mass unemployment and social unrest.

The digital economy could provide a lifeline by creating millions of jobs in areas like e-commerce, digital marketing, and web development. But unless young people are equipped with the necessary skills, they’ll be left behind, unable to compete with their peers from other countries.

3. Global Competitiveness

It’s no secret that the future is digital. Whether it’s AI, blockchain, or the Internet of Things (IoT), countries that have mastered these technologies are leading the world. If Pakistan wants to be among them, it needs to close it's digital skills gap, fast.

Currently, the country ranks 116th on the Global Innovation Index . That’s not a position you want to be in if you’re trying to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to catch up.

Bridging the Gap: How to Fix the Problem

Okay, so how do we fix this mess? The good news is that there are solutions; real, actionable solutions that can help Pakistan close this gap and position itself as a leader in the digital economy.

1. Revamp the Education System: Teach Skills, Not Facts

First things first, we need to overhaul the education system. It’s time to move away from rote learning and focus on teaching students the skills they’ll need to thrive in the digital world. This means introducing coding, data science, and digital marketing into the curriculum, starting from a young age.

Countries like Finland have already made coding a mandatory subject in schools. It’s time Pakistan followed suit. But more than that, we need to teach students how to think critically, solve problems, introduce them to design thinking and adapt to new technologies as they emerge. In other words, we need to teach them how to learn.

2. Expand Access to Technology and the Internet: Connectivity for All

We can’t expect people to develop digital skills if they don’t have access to the tools and resources they need. The government needs to prioritize expanding broadband access, particularly in rural areas, and invest in building the infrastructure needed to support a digital economy.

This doesn’t just mean throwing money at the problem—it means working with private sector partners, NGOs, and international organizations to create sustainable solutions.

3. Public-Private Partnerships: Invest in the Future

The private sector has a huge role to play in closing the digital skills gap. Companies need to invest in training programs, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities to help young people develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.

Take the example of Google Digital Garage , which offers free digital skills training to individuals and businesses. A similar model could be implemented in Pakistan, with local companies working alongside global tech giants to provide training in areas like web development, cybersecurity, and AI.

4. Change the Mindset: Digital Is the Future

Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles to closing the digital skills gap in Pakistan is cultural resistance. Many still view technology as an afterthought or a "luxury skill" rather than a necessity for future success. We need a massive cultural shift where digital literacy is seen as foundational, just like basic reading and writing.

This shift can be accelerated through targeted awareness campaigns that showcase the benefits of digital skills. Highlight real-life success stories of Pakistanis who have leveraged digital skills to build successful careers, whether through freelancing platforms like Upwork or creating startups in fields like e-commerce and software development. Changing mindsets at the grassroots level especially among parents, educators, and community leaders will be critical in driving widespread adoption of digital literacy.

5. Government and Policy: Less Talk, More Action

While the government has recognized the importance of digital transformation through initiatives like the Digital Pakistan Vision, much of the progress has been slower than desired. There's an urgent need for a stronger commitment to action, with policies that not only promote digital literacy but also incentivize the private sector to contribute to this transformation.

Governments in other countries have introduced tax incentives for companies investing in digital training and infrastructure. Pakistan could adopt a similar model, offering subsidies or grants to companies that provide skills training, especially in underrepresented or rural areas. Additionally, public-private partnerships should be fostered more effectively to bridge the gap between education, training, and employment.

6. Encourage Local Tech Startups: Homegrown Solutions for Local Problems

One of the most effective ways to close the digital skills gap is to encourage the growth of local tech startups. These startups are not only capable of solving local problems with homegrown solutions, but they also act as magnets for young, talented individuals who want to contribute to something meaningful.

Take a look at Careem , the ride-hailing service had it's back-office operations run in Pakistan and now operates across the Middle East. Careem didn’t just bring convenience to urban transport; it also created thousands of jobs in tech, logistics, and customer service. Another example is Bykea , a local on-demand delivery and ride-sharing service, which leverages digital platforms to connect drivers with customers. These startups are success stories that show how digital innovation can create opportunities and inspire a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs.

If the government and private sector can collaborate to create more opportunities for local startups through better funding, incubation programs, and mentorship initiatives, it could give the economy a massive boost while also helping to close the digital skills gap.

Real-World Examples: Learning from Others

Pakistan doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to digital literacy. Many countries have faced similar challenges and have successfully narrowed their digital skills gaps through a combination of policy reforms, investment, and public awareness campaigns.

India: The IT Powerhouse Next Door

India’s rise as a global IT powerhouse didn’t happen by accident. A combination of government support, private sector investment, and a focus on technical education created a pipeline of tech talent that has transformed the country’s economy. Initiatives like the Digital India campaign aimed at increasing access to technology and improving digital literacy across the country have been critical in closing the digital skills gap.

India’s success in tech outsourcing, software development, and now AI, serves as a clear example of how strategic investments in education and infrastructure can yield significant returns. Pakistan can take a page from Indian playbook by encouraging partnerships between the government and tech companies, while also focusing on building a digital-first mindset.

Estonia: The Digital Nation

Estonia, a tiny country in Europe, is another success story. After gaining independence in the early 1990s, Estonia made a conscious decision to focus on digital transformation as a means to boost its economy. The result? Today, Estonia is often referred to as "E-stonia," thanks to its highly digitalized government services and tech-friendly environment. Citizens have access to e-governance services, online voting, and a thriving startup ecosystem.

Estonia achieved this by investing heavily in digital education from the school level up, as well as fostering a strong tech culture. Pakistan could replicate aspects of Estonia’s approach, especially in terms of digital governance and promoting an environment where innovation can thrive.

Singapore: Upskilling for the Future

Singapore, known for its forward-thinking policies, has made it a national priority to upskill its workforce in preparation for the digital economy. It's SkillsFuture initiative, which provides citizens with credits to spend on digital skills courses throughout their lifetime. This initiative ensures that the workforce remains competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Pakistan can take inspiration from Singapore by creating lifelong learning programs focused on digital literacy and upskilling. By offering financial incentives for workers to gain new skills, the country can create a more adaptable workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

The Way Forward: Turning the Digital Skills Gap into a Digital Skills Advantage

Closing Pakistan’s digital skills gap isn’t just a matter of catching up with the rest of the world, but about transforming the country into a leader in the global digital economy. The good news is that this transformation is entirely possible. The bad news? It won’t happen overnight, and it certainly won’t happen without a coordinated, multi-faceted approach.

So, what’s the roadmap for Pakistan’s digital future?

1. Invest in Education Reform

Overhaul the curriculum to prioritize digital skills from the earliest levels of education. Teach coding, data science, and problem-solving, not just in universities but in primary and secondary schools as well.

2. Improve Internet Access

Expand broadband coverage and invest in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that every Pakistani has the tools they need to succeed in a digital world.

3. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships

Collaborate with global tech companies and local startups to create training programs, mentorship opportunities, and apprenticeships that can help bridge the skills gap.

4. Create Lifelong Learning Programs

Introduce initiatives similar to Singapore’s Skills Future, where citizens can access digital skills training throughout their careers, ensuring they remain competitive in the workforce.

5. Foster a Digital Culture

Drive a cultural shift that embraces technology and digital literacy as essential tools for success. This means breaking down traditional mindsets and creating awareness about the opportunities that digital skills can bring.

Time to Step Up

The digital skills gap in Pakistan isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to reshape the country’s future and empower millions of people to participate in the global digital economy. The gap may seem wide, but it’s not impossible to bridge. What’s needed is collective action from the government, the private sector, and civil society to invest in digital education, infrastructure, and culture.

If you’re a company leader, educator, or policy-maker, it’s time to step up. Whether it’s through partnerships, funding, or even just advocating for digital literacy in your community, every action counts. If you’re an individual, now’s the time to invest in your own digital education, there are countless online resources and courses that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Ready to close the gap? Let’s connect, collaborate, and create a digital future that works for everyone.

#DigitalSkills #FutureOfWork #PakistanTech #DigitalPakistan #SkillDevelopment #TechDestinationPakistan