ANY national ecosystem requires performance indicators and benchmarks against which progress can be measured. Global indices provide a holistic view of progress in a particular area by aggregating multiple metrics into a score against which heterogeneous markets can be compared. These indices may be based on a single metric or a combination of metrics that cover intent and framework (De Jure), infrastructure and capacity (Enablers) and impact and outcome (De Facto). Analyzed deeply, these indices provide crucial insights for policymakers, regulators and investors during decision-making. An index investigated in isolation may only represent a partial picture of progress while ignoring ground realities. The same applies to the telecom industry, where multiple indices—if not evaluated together—fail to highlight the underlying issues needing immediate action. Three major global indices must be considered for a complete evaluation.

The ITU ICT Development Index (IDI) addresses nationwide connectivity and broadband adoption. Bypassing theoretical frameworks, the IDI directly measures physical enablers and on-ground realities. Pakistan significantly improved its global score from 56.4 in 2024 to 67.7 in 2025 but still lags peer countries like India (76.5) and Malaysia (87.3). The........

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