According to recent reports, Pakistan has dropped to 97th position in the Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index 2021 which is 14 ranks low in contrast to the previous year. Moreover, the country stands at the 28th position amongst 32 Asian nations.
The Digital Quality of Life Index 2021 Was Conducted by Surfshark
The Digital Quality of Life Index 2021 survey was carried out by cyber security firm Surfshark which assesses nations based on a set of five primary digital wellbeing pillars — internet affordability, internet quality, electronic infrastructure, electronic security, and electronic government.
Pakistan is Lagging Behind India and Iran in DQL
Furthermore, the Digital Quality of Life Index 2021 reveals that Pakistan is lagging behind India and Iran in DQL but delivering better than Bangladesh. The third yearly edition of the DQL places Pakistan 97th amongst 110 nations and covering 90% of the worldwide population, as per an official statement.
Furthermore, internet affordability and internet quality in Pakistan have been placed at 66th and 74th on DQL Index, individually. Though, out of 110 countries, Pakistan stood at 106th spot in e-infrastructure, 98th in e-security and 85th in e-government. Overall, the country has demonstrated one of the most notable downfalls compared to DQL 2020, falling from 83rd to 97th.
Read more: Submarine Cable Fault Causes Slow Internet Speed in Pakistan
Pakistan’s Internet Affordability Has Declined by 14%
The Digital Quality of Life Index 2021 further discovered that Pakistan’s internet affordability has declined by 14% and is now around 50% worse than the global average. The country ranks 66th for internet affordability and is surpassed by India and Iran. At the moment, people in Pakistan have to work more than four hours to afford the most affordable broadband package.
Although, Pakistan’s internet quality is just slightly worse than the global average. It presents relatively good results with mobile and broadband internet speed growth – ranks 41st and 43rd, respectively. Nevertheless, the country’s broadband speeds are one of the slowest (10.33 Mbps) among all indexed nations.
“Digital opportunities have proved to be more important than ever during the Covid-19 crisis, stressing the importance for every country to ensure fully remote operational capacities for their economies,” explains Vytautas Kaziukonis, CEO of Surfshark.
Source: TechJuice
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