Karachi: Pakistan's digital economy could contribute between 5 to 7 percent to the nation's GDP by 2030 if crucial structural issues are addressed and reforms are expedited. This is according to the OICCI Digital Report 2025, which highlights the expanding role of the sector in enhancing productivity, exports, and financial inclusion.
According to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), its recently launched flagship report, 'Recommendations for Pakistan's Digital Future', provides a detailed analysis of the country's digital ecosystem, identifying policy gaps and growth opportunities. The report outlines significant advancements in digital adoption within Pakistan, noting that IT and IT-enabled services exports have reached $3.8 billion, and the freelance economy has generated $779 million in earnings. Broadband subscriptions have surpassed 150 million, and telecom connections exceed 200 million, with the mobile ecosystem alone contributing approximately $17 billion to the national economy.
Despite these advancements, the report identifies important infrastructure challenges that could impede growth. It notes that only around 18 percent of cellular towers in Pakistan are connected via fiber, a figure significantly below the global standard of approximately 40 percent, which limits network capacity and readiness for future technologies.
OICCI President Yousaf Hussain stated that the report showcases positive developments in digital finance and inclusion, with the Raast instant payment system processing PKR 18 trillion in peer-to-peer transactions in FY26. However, he emphasized that infrastructure constraints and regulatory delays still hinder the sector's full potential.
OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem highlighted that while policy discussions have advanced, implementation has been sluggish. He mentioned that only about one-quarter of the digital policy recommendations from the OICCI Digital Report 2022 have been carried out. He stressed the need for quicker execution, enhanced fiber penetration, and a more investment-friendly regulatory environment to unlock Pakistan's digital potential.
The OICCI report suggests reducing taxes on broadband services and digital devices, speeding up fiber deployment, achieving regulatory clarity in data protection and cybersecurity, and fostering stronger public-private partnerships to position Pakistan as a competitive regional digital economy.