GSMA warns stalled digital growth risks investment

GSMA, a global organisation representing mobile operators and entities across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, has warned that Pakistan, despite having talent, ambition, and a vision for ‘Digital Pakistan’, risks falling behind regional peers unless urgent reforms are introduced in telecom policy — a delay that could drive away investors and ultimately harm consumers. Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, told the media on Thursday after the ‘GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025’ that the country’s telecom sector suffers from excessive taxation, limited spectrum availability, and a lack of long-term policy direction. He noted that reforming telecom taxation was possible, even under an IMF programme, citing Argentina as an example. “If urgent reforms are not enacted, investors will shift to other markets. Similarly, freelancers — a vital segment of Pakistan’s workforce — cannot thrive without reliable internet and electricity,” he added.