To advance with modernity and technology or to drive economic development through political, social, intellectual, or skill-based growth for our new generation, we need to learn a lot from the modern world.
This world is one of opportunities and potential. You can not only make your connections with other countries more effective while staying in one country, but also benefit from new economic opportunities globally based on your skills.
For this, you need both knowledge and skills, and prioritizing digital literacy should be part of your strategy. We are in a global world and can connect to economic development through global relationships and communities.
Pakistan is among the countries with the highest number of young people aged 18 to 35. On this basis, we rely heavily on the new generation and base our development plans on them.
As of early 2024, 111 million people in Pakistan use digital or internet services, which accounts for approximately 45.07% of the population with internet access.
Similarly, at the beginning of 2024, there were 188.09 million cellular mobile connections in Pakistan, which is 77.08% of the total population.
Approximately 3 million people in Pakistan are working as freelancers, and according to global statistics, Pakistan ranks fourth in freelancing, with the number increasing annually. By 2022, we had earned around 500 million dollars, with most of this revenue coming legally from young people, mostly under 30.
In freelancing, Punjab accounts for 40%, Sindh 29.05%, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 14.07%, Balochistan 10.05%, and Azad Kashmir 5.03%.
In principle, digital media or internet access for the general public, especially the new generation, should be established on modern foundations to ensure transparent and better access to economic opportunities.
However, it seems we are not keeping pace with technological advancements. Looking at the world of digital or social media, the government of Pakistan has significant complaints about the new generation.
It is believed that certain groups, using the name of the new generation, are promoting chaos, hatred, and confrontation in support of Tehreek-e-Insaf and Imran Khan, and promoting Talibanization.
Similarly, some groups are continuing their mission of dividing the Pakistani people based on sectarianism and regionalism. Many criminals are also labeled as social media influencers.
While the government’s complaints may be valid, solutions should be sought on intellectual, academic, and legal grounds.
Currently, there is a lot of talk about “firewalls.” I and my supporters believe that firewalls are causing difficulties on the internet. The IT industry is being affected, and many accounts are being suspended due to VPNs.
A Senate committee has reported that this governmental action is causing Pakistan a loss of approximately 500 million dollars. Freelancers across the country are facing serious challenges.
It seems that rather than making Pakistan a center for the digital economy, efforts are being made to isolate it.
It is important to understand that those using social media or trying to earn through new economic processes within and outside Pakistan are facing challenges.
Most people on social media do not have political agendas or connections to extremism; their focus is on economic development.
This aspect needs attention. Those using the internet for educational purposes or trying to start small online businesses within the country are also facing issues.
A well-known digital expert from Pakistan, Muhammad Abid Ayub, who is involved in the digital world, has mentioned that many clients are moving to other countries, or most people have relocated their work to Dubai and other countries.
He points out that the issue primarily revolves around accurate and false information, as many are using digital media to run state-opposed and disruptive campaigns, often spreading falsehoods.
This issue is not unique to us but is prevalent worldwide, with fake accounts being widely used. We need to see how these issues are being addressed globally.
Solutions include using various tools available on digital media to eliminate fake accounts and promoting digital literacy by educating and training the new generation on various aspects.
The issues highlighted by Muhammad Abid Ayub are quite pertinent. Therefore, greater attention must be given to digital literacy and the elimination of fake accounts.