Pakistan, July 2 -- Islamabad is poised to become Pakistan's digital showroom. At least, that's what Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced at a media briefing. Plans are underway to blanket the capital with fibre optics, free Wi-Fi, and connected transport. Of course, for policymakers, these projects weave an image of progress. But beyond the federal capital, Pakistan's digital landscape tells a different story: one of stark disparity, regulatory paralysis, and missed economic potential.

Roughly 111 million Pakistanis were online at the start of 2024. That means a staggering 131.8 million people, or 54.3% of the population, remained disconnected, with Pakistan's internet penetration among the lowe...