One of the most glaring issues is one of inadequate digital infrastructure

Another challenge is the digital skills gap in urban and rural areas of the country

Over the last few years, there have been significant advances in digital transformation in Pakistan, however, the actual push and influence are largely driven at the provincial level. Though federal policies tend to hog the limelight, it is the provinces—each with their particular challenges and strengths—that are the frontline champions of digital governance, public service delivery, and socio-economic development. As the globe turns towards a more integrated and data-oriented future, the provinces’ contribution towards determining Pakistan’s digital fate is more critical than ever.

Digitalization is not merely about bringing government services online or rolling out mobile apps. It’s about revolutionizing how the state engages with citizens, enterprises, and institutions. In Pakistan, the drive towards a digital economy has gained form through different national efforts like the “Digital Pakistan” vision, but the execution—and frequently innovation—occurs at the provincial level. Whether it is health, education, land records, taxation, or delivery of public services, it is at the provinces that actual change happens.

Consider the case of Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan. Through the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), the province has spearheaded some of the most successful digital projects in the last ten years. From police station automation to land record digitization and e-learning platforms, Punjab has demonstrated how technology can be used to ensure transparency, efficiency, and citizen empowerment. The land record digitization by the Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA) is a game-changer. It not only minimized delays and corruption but also raised the citizens’ trust in public services—something centuries-old conventional systems struggled to do for decades.

Sindh has also taken impressive strides, albeit more slowly. Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) has introduced an online tax return submission system, and the Board of Revenue has progressed on digitizing land and property records. The provincial government has also rolled out digital health programs in urban areas, particularly Karachi, where data-informed decision-making is assisting in disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. Still, coordination, capacity, and political will issues persist in impeding the rhythm and extent of change.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has made significant strides in using digital technology for governance as well as economic empowerment. The KP government’s collaboration with the World Bank to encourage digital employment, training, and online freelancing opportunities has been at the center of international focus. Peshawar’s Durshal initiative—a system of community-based digital hubs—has emerged as a youth, women, and entrepreneur hub that offers access to training, mentorship, and government services. In addition, KP has digitalized police services and brought complaint mechanisms online, allowing citizens to more easily report grievances and monitor case updates without having to visit the police stations.

Read: From digital divide to digital inclusion: Challenges for wide-ranging digitalization in Pakistan

Balochistan, the largest but most underdeveloped province, is confronted with distinct geographical and infrastructural challenges. However, it has begun to adopt digitalization, especially in education and governance. Although the progress is uneven because of limited connectivity and the lower literacy level, efforts such as the Balochistan Education Management Information System (BEMIS) give a glimpse of how technology can help break through structural bottlenecks. With more investment in internet infrastructure and capacity development, Balochistan can leverage digital tools to close its development gaps.

Provincial governments’ role in Pakistan’s digital journey cannot be underestimated. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which delegated major powers to the provinces, results in a large amount of decision-making, budgeting, and policy implementation taking place at the subnational level. This devolution renders provincial digital governance not only a choice but also an imperative. Whether it is bringing e-governance platforms online, employing data analytics during health crises, or fostering digital literacy, provinces are the means through which Pakistan can become digitally inclusive.

Yet many challenges hold across the board. One of the most glaring issues is one of inadequate digital infrastructure, particularly in the countryside. Internet penetration is still uneven, with huge tracts of the population without access to decent connectivity. Unless this underlying problem is addressed, digitalization initiatives—however creative—will be restricted in potential.

A second challenge is the digital skills gap. While urban youth in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad are accessing online environments and digital professions, many in rural and less-developed districts are not part of this environment. The provinces must place emphasis on digital schooling at the primary school level, invest in teacher capacity building, and work with private sector partners to develop a strong digital workforce.

Coordination between the federal and provincial governments is also essential. The federal government can act as a strong catalyst in terms of policymaking, standardizing technologies, and giving funding support, but the provinces have to localize these policies as per their specific requirements. Establishing channels for inter-provincial knowledge sharing—where proven initiatives can be replicated and scaled—is also an option that can accelerate progress.

Digitalization is a chance to redefine Pakistan’s development story. With the power to take the initiative given to provinces—with freedom, funds, and responsibility—Pakistan can not only provide improved services to its people, but also establish itself as a progressive, technologically advanced country. The trick is to understand that digital change is not from the center, but a collective process where change starts on the ground, among the provinces.

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Published under International Cooperation with "Sindh Courier"