E-commerce in Pakistan is growing at a striking pace with a growth rate of sales of 13%, which equals $2.9 trillion (The News). Although, most of these sales were made by domestic buyers purchasing from domestic sellers. However, purchasing from foreign sellers has recently gained traction as the share of buyers has climbed from 15 to 21 %. Approximately 25% of worldwide shopping is now taking place online, with China recording a colossal 440 million online consumers (The News).
Pakistan has experienced rampant growth in e-commerce and digital businesses that have helped the country open up new market opportunities over time. Over the past 20 years, Pakistan has established a strong communication and information sector by liberalising the transmitting sector to help create an expansion of the IT technology-enabled service industry. With a population of 270 million people, Pakistan has 123 million active internet users (The News). However, Internet penetration in Pakistan has grown to 54%, showing how citizens positively embrace the internet every day.
According to 2022 reports, there are over 189 million cellular subscribers and 99 million smartphone users in Pakistan, leading to increased internet use and subsequent e-commerce growth. Investment in the e-commerce sector can further enhance the growth of online businesses in the country. It is estimated that Pakistan can increase its GDP to $36 billion and create up to four million jobs by 2025 by increasing the use of digital financial services only (The News)
The future is digital as people are now working remotely, exchanging goods overseas, conducting remote meetings, and much more. Businesses like online stores, print on demand, auctioning goods, and drop-shipping is now happening in people’s comfort. E-commerce is transforming and expanding online businesses. It helps reduce geographical limitations, gain customers through search engines, lower costs, eliminates the need for a physical shop, allows online comparison shopping, shows your deals, discounts, and new products easily and provides great information. The new e-commerce startups are playing a significant role in transforming the landscape of online buying behaviour. Out of the active internet users, women come up 49%, while men make up 51% (The News).
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