As Pakistan gears up for elections, it finds itself at a pivotal moment, facing an economic downturn and a notable exodus of its talented youth. At the heart of this dilemma are the challenges of a burgeoning current account deficit, trade imbalances and the escalating costs of vital imports.

These issues are exacerbated by projections that the manufacturing sector may not recover in the near term. Amidst these challenges, the digital economy shines as a ray of hope, demonstrating a significant positive trade balance of 80-86 percent, underscoring its potential as a foundation for economic rejuvenation.

Despite several success stories in the digital sector, the broad landscape is marked by fragmentation. There is a pressing need for a unified, nationwide effort to maximise the benefits of digital transformation.

Leading this charge are the Asian Development Bank and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute. These are at the forefront of crafting strategies to navigate through the economic hardship by leveraging digital advancements.

The critical role of the political will in fostering sectoral growth is undeniable. It is essential to construct a political dialogue that highlights the economic advantage of the digital sector, such as its export capability, job creation potential and its ability to attract foreign direct investment. Nevertheless, elevating the digital sector to a prominent place on political agendas during and after the elections remains a formidable challenge.

An examination of the manifestos of major political parties reveals a unanimous acknowledgment of the digital sector’s promise. The PML-N manifesto focuses on digital growth and infrastructural enhancement and the PPP commits to unlocking the IT sector’s capabilities through significant investments. The other parties’ manifestoes prioritise technology as a catalyst for national advancement.

However, a closer analysis indicates a universal need for more comprehensive strategies, especially concerning emerging technologies, digital literacy and cyber-security.

Pakistan’s path to becoming a digitally advanced nation could benefit from international models. Bangladesh’s Smart Bangladesh initiative, which emphasises digital healthcare, ICT sector expansion and fostering a tech-driven economy is one such model. Its focused efforts on achieving specific milestones, such as a fully cashless economy and the support of unicorn startups, provide a clear directive for leveraging technology to spur economic and societal progress.

The integration of the digital sector into the main political agenda faces numerous obstacles. Digital solutions are often seen as non-essential, particularly in areas where digital literacy is low and infrastructure is lacking.

Moreover, there is a lack of strong advocacy for digital applications in critical sectors like agriculture, health and education. This tends to limit their significance in political discussions. This effect is compounded by a resistance to change and the perceived irrelevance of digital governance in less urbanised regions.

Despite the huge potential of the digital sector and its recognition by key political entities, it continues to struggle to become a central theme in political narratives. The habit of assigning the digital ministry to less influential parties in coalition governments, frequent changes in bureaucracy and inconsistent policies reflect a broader hesitation to fully integrate digital solutions into Pakistan’s development strategy.

To surmount these barriers, a comprehensive strategy is required. This includes a nationwide initiative to improve digital literacy and infrastructure, ensuring that benefits are accessible across both urban and rural areas. This should encompass not just infrastructural investments but also educational reforms to equip the youth and the workforce with the necessary digital skills.

Political parties need to embed digital policies more effectively into their platforms, translating manifesto pledges into tangible, well-supported initiatives. Enhanced collaboration among the government, the private sector and international organisations like the ADB is critical for formulating a cohesive digital transformation strategy.

Adopting innovative governance models, such as e-governance, can boost transparency and efficiency, fostering public confidence in digital innovations. Also, prioritising the digital sector in economic policies will draw foreign investment, create employment opportunities and encourage a dynamic startup landscape.

Pakistan stands at a critical threshold. The decisions made now will shape its economic resurgence and digital metamorphosis. Recognising the digital economy as essential for progress, with comprehensive backing from political, economic and societal sectors, is crucial. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, yet with a united effort, Pakistan can emerge from economic turmoil to a future empowered by digital innovation.

The writer heads the Sustainable Development Policy Institute’s Centre for Private Sector Engagement. He tweets from @ahadnazir783. The article doesn’t necessarily represent the views of the organisation.