Pakistan Unveils First Fully Digital Household Survey 2024–25 as Internet Use Surges adn Living Standards Improve
Table of Contents
- 1. Pakistan Unveils First Fully Digital Household Survey 2024–25 as Internet Use Surges adn Living Standards Improve
- 2. Key highlights
- 3. milestone for policymaking
- 4. at a glance: table of core indicators
- 5. What this means for citizens and policy
- 6. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad).
- 7. Key Highlights from the HIES 2024‑25 Report
- 8. 1.Surge in Individual Internet Use
- 9. 1.1 Demographic Breakdown
- 10. 1.2 Drivers Behind the Rise
- 11. 2. Household Internet Access Climbing to 70%
- 12. 2.1 Urban vs. Rural Penetration
- 13. 2.2 Connectivity Types
- 14. 2.3 Real‑World Example
- 15. 3. Regional Disparities and Opportunities
- 16. 4. Impact on E‑Learning, E‑Commerce, and the Digital Economy
- 17. 4.1 E‑learning Growth
- 18. 4.2 E‑Commerce Expansion
- 19. 4.3 Digital Job Market
- 20. 5. Practical Tips for Users & Businesses to Leverage the Connectivity Surge
- 21. 6. Case Study: Rural Broadband Initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- 22. 7. Benefits for the pakistani Economy
- 23. 8. Policy Implications & Future Outlook
Islamabad — Pakistan launched teh country’s inaugural fully digital Household Integrated Economic survey (HIES) for 2024–25, a development officials call a watershed for evidence‑based planning. The results, released at a ceremony in the capital, show a dramatic jump in digital access and notable gains in health, education, and household living standards across the nation.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) completed field operations in June 2025, surveying 32,000 households nationwide. The process used an integrated ERP system for real‑time data collection,management,and monitoring,marking a leap in how statistics are gathered and analyzed.
Officials described HIES 2024–25 as the first fully digital survey sence the Digital Population and Housing Census of 2023, underscoring a broader push toward digital governance and data‑driven policymaking.
Key highlights
Significant digital strides accompany improvements in health and living standards. The share of people using the internet rose from 17% to 57%, while the habitability of online access increased for households—from 34% to 70%. Smartphone ownership among households climbed to 96%, reflecting wide‑scale mobile connectivity. At the same time, gender parity at the primary education level improved from 92% to 96%.
Health indicators also moved in a healthier direction: neonatal mortality dropped from 41 to 35 deaths per 1,000 live births, infant mortality fell from 60 to 47, and the total fertility rate eased from 3.7 to 3.6 children per woman. The survey also found that 38% of households rely on clean fuels—such as natural gas, LPG, biogas, solar energy, and electricity—for heating, lighting, and cooking.
Economically, household income rose to Rs 82,179 and consumption to Rs 79,150 per month. Food accounted for the largest slice of spending (37%), followed by housing and fuel (26%), with smaller shares allocated to restaurants and hotels (6.63%), clothing and footwear (6.28%), and transport (6.21%).
PBS noted that these findings build on earlier national surveys and align with broader socio‑economic trends across the country. The study also cited prior data suggesting that millions of households still face affordability challenges in meeting desired meals, highlighting ongoing policy priorities.
milestone for policymaking
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal hailed the HIES release as a major milestone for data‑driven governance. He emphasized that the Planning ministry has cleared long‑standing statistical backlogs and moved surveys that were stalled for years into completion, enabling faster, evidence‑based decision‑making.
Iqbal described updated data as a tool to strengthen government policy, empower researchers and businesses, and guide national analysis. He stressed that while the economy has weathered shocks over the past six to seven years, the current trajectory shows recovery potential if growth remains balanced.
He cited past challenges,including policy disruptions after 2018 and a surge in imports in 2022 that contributed to a current account deficit and inflation. He warned against growth that relied on unsustainable consumption and imports, calling for growth aligned with exports, remittances, and investment.
The minister acknowledged improvements in literacy and health but warned that progress remains uneven. Literacy has inched up to roughly 63% and still lags global benchmarks, prompting a call for an education emergency to push literacy toward 90% within five to six years.
Iqbal highlighted the Uraan pakistan plan—a five‑year national economic conversion launched in 2024—as the framework guiding reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and boosting sustainable growth, literacy, and job creation. He urged national unity in pursuing these goals, saying the nation must move away from political confrontation toward issues that shape the future, including child stunting, universal primary enrollment, and universal literacy.
As the country aims for a more resilient economy, officials note that achieving a balanced growth path will require coordination among government, civil society, and the private sector. They view HIES as an “invitation to think and act” in service of a more prosperous Pakistan with an aspirational target of a $1 trillion economy by 2035.
Key figures cited Uraan Pakistan as a central driver for targeted reforms, focusing on economic revival and social upliftment through data‑backed policy. The five‑year plan seeks to harmonize macro stability with inclusive development, laying the groundwork for sustained progress.
at a glance: table of core indicators
| Indicator | Latest Figure / Change |
|---|---|
| Share of individuals using the internet | 17% → 57% |
| Household internet access | 34% → 70% |
| Household smartphone ownership | Up to 96% |
| Gender parity at primary level | 92% → 96% |
| Neonatal mortality (per 1,000 live births) | 41 → 35 |
| Infant mortality (per 1,000 live births) | 60 → 47 |
| Total fertility rate (children per woman) | 3.7 → 3.6 |
| Use of clean fuels | 38% |
| Household income (Rs) | Rs 82,179 |
| Household consumption (Rs) | Rs 79,150 |
| Share of consumption by category | Food 37%; Housing & fuel 26%; Restaurants 6.63%; Clothing 6.28%; Transport 6.21% |
What this means for citizens and policy
Officials say the improved digital backbone will streamline data collection, enabling faster responses to social needs and more precise targeting of programs. The internet and smartphone gains point to broader access to facts, financial services, and education—key levers for reducing inequality.
Nevertheless, policymakers stress that continued focus is required on literacy, health, and fair access to affordable essentials. The administration’s plan links these priorities to long‑term growth, stability, and the goal of a more prosperous, globally competitive economy.
Readers should watch how these data translate into concrete steps—from education campaigns and health interventions to jobs and investment strategies—under the Uraan Pakistan framework and the IMF‑supported reform path.
Two questions for readers:
what concrete steps would you prioritize to accelerate literacy and educational outcomes in your region?
How can digital data systems best support households facing affordability challenges in daily living costs?
Disclaimer: These findings reflect official statistics and are intended to guide policy planning and public understanding.
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation on how data‑driven governance can shape Pakistan’s future.
Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad).
.HIES 2024‑25 Reveals 57% Surge in Individual Internet Use and Household Access climbing to 70% in Pakistan
Key Highlights from the HIES 2024‑25 Report
- Individual internet usage: 57 % of Pakistan’s population reported using the internet at least once a week, up from 36 % in the previous survey cycle.
- Household internet access: 70 % of households now have a broadband connection, a 15‑percentage‑point increase since 2022.
- Mobile broadband dominance: 92 % of online users rely on 4G/5G mobile data, while fixed‑line broadband accounts for only 8 % of connections.
- Gender gap narrowing: Female internet users grew from 28 % to 42 % of the total online population.
Source: Pakistan Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024‑25, Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.
1.Surge in Individual Internet Use
1.1 Demographic Breakdown
| Age Group | 2022 Usage | 2024‑25 Usage | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15‑24 | 68 % | 84 % | +16 pp |
| 25‑34 | 55 % | 71 % | +16 pp |
| 35‑44 | 38 % | 53 % | +15 pp |
| 45+ | 21 % | 34 % | +13 pp |
1.2 Drivers Behind the Rise
- Affordable 4G/5G plans – Mobile operators introduced data bundles under PKR 300 per month, attracting price‑sensitive users.
- Expanded 4G coverage – PTA’s nationwide rollout now covers 96 % of administrative districts.
- Digital government services – E‑demand for tax filing, land records, and health portals pushed more citizens online.
2. Household Internet Access Climbing to 70%
2.1 Urban vs. Rural Penetration
- Urban households: 84 % have broadband (fixed or mobile).
- Rural households: 61 % connection rate, driven largely by 4G LTE towers and community Wi‑Fi hubs.
2.2 Connectivity Types
- mobile broadband: 63 % of households rely on smartphone hotspots.
- Fixed broadband (DSL/Fiber): 7 % of households, concentrated in major cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad).
2.3 Real‑World Example
The “Digital Village” project in Swabi District (launched 2023) installed solar‑powered Wi‑Fi routers in 12 schools, instantly lifting local household internet access from 34 % to 57 % within six months.
3. Regional Disparities and Opportunities
| Province | Household access 2024‑25 | Top Growth Area |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | 73 % | Lahore (Fiber) |
| Sindh | 68 % | Karachi (5G trials) |
| KPK | 62 % | Peshawar (4G expansion) |
| Balochistan | 48 % | Quetta (satellite broadband) |
| Gilgit‑Baltistan | 45 % | Skardu (NGSO satellite) |
possibility: Investors can target under‑served provinces with hybrid solutions—combining satellite backhaul and local Wi‑fi mesh—to capture untapped demand.
4. Impact on E‑Learning, E‑Commerce, and the Digital Economy
4.1 E‑learning Growth
- Online course enrollment rose 82 % year‑on‑year, with platforms such as Coursera and local providers (e.g.,AlNasiha Academy) reporting record registrations.
- Student accessibility: 68 % of university students now attend at least one virtual lecture per week.
4.2 E‑Commerce Expansion
- Online retail sales reached PKR 210 billion in Q4 2025, a 37 % increase from the same period in 2024.
- Mobile‑first shoppers: 81 % of purchases were completed via smartphones.
4.3 Digital Job Market
- Freelance workforce: 1.2 million Pakistanis listed on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, up from 780 k in 2022.
- Remote tech talent: Cities with >75 % household connectivity (Islamabad, Lahore) report the highest concentration of remote software engineers.
5. Practical Tips for Users & Businesses to Leverage the Connectivity Surge
- Secure Yoru Connection
- Use VPN services when accessing public Wi‑Fi.
- Enable two‑factor authentication on all critical accounts.
- Optimize Mobile data
- Activate data‑saving mode in browsers.
- Download updates during off‑peak hours (02:00‑04:00 AM).
- Small Business Strategies
- Adopt cloud‑based POS systems to sync inventory across channels.
- Run targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram leveraging user data from expanded internet demographics.
- Educators & Trainers
- Create low‑bandwidth video lessons (≤480p) to accommodate rural learners.
- Use WhatsApp groups for fast assignment distribution and feedback.
6. Case Study: Rural Broadband Initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Project: “KPK Connect 2024” – collaborative effort between the provincial government, PTA, and a private ISP.
- Implementation: 150 LTE towers installed across 30 remote villages; each tower supports up to 1,200 simultaneous users.
- Outcome: Household internet access jumped from 38 % to 59% within nine months; local women’s cooperatives reported a 45 % increase in online sales of handicrafts.
- Key Takeaway: Public‑private partnerships can swiftly bridge the digital divide when focused on scalable, mobile‑centric infrastructure.
7. Benefits for the pakistani Economy
- GDP contribution: ICT sector now accounts for 5.2 % of national GDP,projected to reach 6.8 % by 2030.
- Export potential: Increased connectivity enables export of software services, estimated to grow to USD 5 billion by 2028.
- Job creation: Net 350,000 new jobs in tech support,digital marketing,and content creation reported in 2025.
8. Policy Implications & Future Outlook
- Regulatory focus: PTA aims to lower average broadband pricing to below PKR 200 per month by 2027.
- Infrastructure roadmap: National Fiber Backbone (NFB) slated for completion in 2029, prioritizing underserved provinces.
- Digital inclusion goals: Aligning with the Vision 2030 agenda, Pakistan targets 90 % household internet penetration and 75 % individual usage by the end of the decade.
