Pakistan’s Digital Future Hinges on Action: Aamer Ejaz

Pakistan finds itself on the cusp of a transformative digital revolution. With a young, tech-savvy population and rising digital participation across multiple sectors, the country holds immense promise. However, realizing this potential requires a strategic approach that tackles persistent structural barriers. In a recent reflection on PTV News Economy in Focus, Aamer Ejaz, President of Digital Platforms at Jazz, emphasized the critical need for coordinated action across policy, infrastructure, education, and financial systems to unleash Pakistan’s digital power and ensure no one is left behind.

One of Pakistan’s most impressive digital achievements lies in the strength of its freelance economy. The country ranks fourth globally in freelance services, with thousands of professionals developing software, offering digital marketing, IT services, and more all from their homes. In parallel, an increasing number of digital content creators are carving out livelihoods on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. These individuals are not only generating income but are also redefining what employment looks like in the 21st century.

This rise of a digitally-enabled workforce signals a shift away from traditional employment structures. It reflects a broader trend in which digital platforms are enabling innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency. Pakistan’s youth are clearly ready and willing to engage in the digital economy but the surrounding systems must catch up.
Despite the uptick in digital activity, a significant portion of Pakistan’s economy still operates in cash. In the realm of e-commerce, for example, most transactions still rely on cash-on-delivery. This dependence not only causes inefficiencies and raises costs, but also keeps vast segments of the economy undocumented and informal.

Pakistan’s formal GDP is estimated at around $400 billion, but many experts believe the undocumented economy may be just as large. Transitioning to digital payments is not merely about convenience; it’s a necessary step toward financial inclusion, transparency, and long-term economic resilience. Initiatives like the government’s use of digital wallets for social protection payments are commendable, but broader reforms are needed. These could include disincentives for cash transactions and mandates for digital payment options in certain sectors.

A thriving digital economy cannot exist without widespread and equitable access to connectivity. While smartphone usage is growing in urban areas, about 25% of Pakistan’s population still lacks access to 4G services. Rural and underserved regions, in particular, face significant barriers to digital participation due to infrastructural limitations and affordability issues.
Mobile broadband, as Ejaz notes, should no longer be seen as a luxury. It is a fundamental utility akin to electricity or clean water that enables education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation. Bridging this digital divide is essential to creating inclusive growth and empowering communities to thrive in a tech-driven world.

Another area of growing concern is Pakistan’s readiness to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Around the world, AI is increasingly integrated into everyday tools from search engines and recommendation algorithms to productivity platforms. However, Pakistan lags behind in both adoption and literacy when it comes to AI.

Ejaz advocates for a national mindset shift: AI should not be feared as a threat to jobs, but embraced as “Augmented Intelligence” that amplifies human potential. Much like calculators did not replace mathematicians but made them more efficient, AI can elevate problem-solving and efficiency. Integrating AI education at early levels especially for women and youth working from home will be critical to future-proofing Pakistan’s workforce.

The recent passage of the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority Act represents a significant step in regulating cryptocurrency. With an estimated 40 million Pakistanis already engaged in crypto, the demand is undeniable. Additionally, government plans to allocate 2,000 megawatts of energy for crypto mining could generate up to $1 billion in annual revenue if managed through smart, transparent regulation and proper infrastructure.
Pakistan’s digital economy is not a distant goal it is already taking shape. Freelancers, entrepreneurs, students, and creators are leading the charge. But to truly unlock this potential, the nation must invest in infrastructure, digital education, and policy reforms that enable broader participation.