Zerorated Websites Pakistan -

Sources: PTA Annual Reports 2023-24, Jazz & Zong tariff sheets, interviews with digital rights activists (names changed for privacy), and Bolo Bhi’s “State of Net Neutrality in Pakistan” (2024).

Zero-Rated Websites in Pakistan: A Digital Inclusion Perspective

Zero-rating in Pakistan refers to the practice of mobile network operators (MNOs) allowing subscribers to access specific websites or applications without deducting data from their paid allowance. This mechanism is primarily used to bridge the digital divide for low-income users, though it remains a subject of debate regarding net neutrality. Current Landscape of Zero-Rated Content

In Pakistan, zero-rating has been strategically deployed during national crises and for essential social services: Health and Emergency Services : During the COVID-19 pandemic, operators like zero-rated webpages for the World Health Organization (WHO) National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Government Portals : Several MNOs, including

, have offered "Assistance for Free" services, allowing free calls and digital access to government offices and doctors. Educational Content

: Initiatives often focus on providing free access to Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to encourage digital literacy, particularly among women. Communication Platforms

and other providers frequently offer zero-rated or low-cost "WhatsApp only" bundles to maintain basic connectivity for users with zero balance. Strategic Objectives and Benefits Democratizing Information

: Zero-rating provides a "first taste" of the internet for the unconnected, allowing them to access news and resources without financial barriers. Market Differentiation

: Mobile operators use zero-rating as a competitive tool to attract or retain customers in a saturated market. Crisis Management : As seen with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

, zero-rating ensures that critical help remains accessible even during economic or health emergencies. Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the benefits, the implementation of zero-rated websites in Pakistan faces significant hurdles: “Free Internet” and the Costs to Media Pluralism

Zero-rating in refers to the practice by mobile network operators (MNOs) of providing access to specific websites and applications without deducting from a user's data balance. While largely associated with social media and government services, it remains a critical tool for digital inclusion in the country. Types of Zero-Rated Content

Current zero-rated services typically fall into three categories: Social & Messaging Services:

WhatsApp: Frequently offered by operators like Telenor and Zong as a zero-rated or low-cost addition to specific bundles.

Facebook & Wikipedia: Historically, the "Free Basics" initiative provided zero-rated access to scaled-down versions of these sites to encourage internet adoption. Government & Public Service:

Health Resources: During national emergencies, operators have zero-rated sites like the WHO and NDMA to ensure information accessibility.

Educational Portals: Various provincial initiatives have explored zero-rating for online learning platforms to support students in rural areas. Accessibility Initiatives: zerorated websites pakistan

Sign Language AI: As of April 2026, new initiatives include zero-rated accessibility for AI-driven sign language tools to support the Deaf community. Operator-Specific Initiatives (April 2026)

The competitive landscape of Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone often uses zero-rating as a "hook" for new subscribers:

Zong: Known for zero-rating essential health sites and occasionally providing free access to its own self-care app.

Jazz: Provides zero-rated access to its dedicated awareness portals and emergency service assistance.

Telenor/Ufone: Often focuses on zero-rating messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook to cater to its large youth demographic. The Dual Meaning of "Zero-Rated" in Pakistan

It is important to distinguish between internet zero-rating and the zero-rated tax regime. While internet zero-rating provides free data, the zero-rated tax regime refers to a facility for exporters (like the textile sector) that removes sales tax on their inputs to boost national exports. There have been consistent calls from industry leaders to restore this tax status to ease liquidity issues. Current Challenges

Telecom Operators' Initiatives in the wake of COVID-19 ... - PTA

zero-rated websites are specific digital platforms that mobile users can access for "free"—meaning browsing them does not consume any data from their paid balance or monthly allowance. This practice is a major part of the digital landscape in a country where data costs can be a barrier for many of the 90+ million internet users Why They Matter in Pakistan Democratic Access

: For many low-income users, zero-rating is the only way to stay connected when they run out of mobile credit. Survey data shows Pakistani mobile users run out of data balance an average of three times every two weeks , making zero-rated sites a vital safety net. Bridging the News Gap : Major media outlets like

have partnered with telecom operators (e.g., Mobilink/Jazz) to allow users to read news and updates for free, ensuring information flow even during financial crunches. Public Safety

: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directed operators to zero-rate official health websites, such as those of the , to provide free access to life-saving information. The "Walled Garden" Debate

While helpful, these websites are often criticized by digital rights activists for creating a "walled garden". Net Neutrality Risks

: Critics argue that zero-rating violates the principle of an open internet by letting telecom companies choose which content is "free," potentially sidelining smaller websites that can't afford such partnerships. A "Sub-Internet"

: Instead of full internet access, users are often restricted to a handful of pre-selected sites (like Facebook's "Free Basics"), which can limit their perspective to whatever is available in that free tier. Key Categories of Zero-Rated Content

Historically, zero-rated offerings in Pakistan have fallen into these groups:

Telecom Operators' Initiatives in the wake of COVID-19 ... - PTA Sources: PTA Annual Reports 2023-24, Jazz & Zong

Here’s a story based on the concept of zero-rated websites in Pakistan—a practice where mobile network operators offer free access to specific websites (like Facebook, Google, or TikTok) without deducting data from a user’s plan.

Title: The Free Internet Trap

Setting: A small, dusty room in a low-income neighborhood in Lahore. Zara, a 19-year-old student, sits on a charpai, her eyes glued to her smartphone screen. Her family can’t afford a proper data package. But she has something: Jazz Free Basics—a zero-rated service offering free access to Facebook, Google, and a handful of educational sites.

The Story:

Zara was the first in her family to finish high school. Her dream was to apply for a government scholarship for a computer science degree. But information was expensive. One GB of data cost more than her mother’s daily rickshaw fare.

Then she discovered zero-rated websites. “Free Facebook! Free Google!” the SMS promised. She rejoiced. Every evening, she studied for hours—watching coding tutorials on YouTube’s zero-rated version, reading articles on Wikipedia Zero. Her marks soared. She felt the world opening up.

But soon, the cracks showed.

When she tried to apply for the scholarship, the official website—scholarship.gov.pk—wasn't zero-rated. Neither was the university’s admission portal. “Data package required,” the error message read. She tried to ask for help in a Facebook group, but the link to the application form wouldn’t open without paid data.

Desperate, she borrowed her brother’s credit and burned through 200 rupees in one hour just to submit the form. The next day, her mother needed that money for medicine.

Zara grew angry. Why was Facebook free, but not the government’s own portal? Why were she and millions of other Pakistanis being funneled into a few foreign websites, while local educational platforms, job portals, and news sites were locked behind paywalls?

She began researching—using the very free Facebook she resented. She learned about net neutrality. She learned that in Pakistan, zero-rating was legal, and the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) had allowed it, calling it “a tool for digital inclusion.” But critics called it a walled garden.

One night, she posted a long note on her Facebook timeline:

“They gave us free bread, but locked the bakery. We can eat, but we can’t cook. How is that freedom?”

The post went viral locally. A journalist from Dawn contacted her. A digital rights activist from Islamabad offered to help. Zara was invited to speak at a small seminar about the internet in Pakistan.

She stood before a room of students and telecom executives. Her voice trembled but didn’t break.

“I used to think zero-rated websites were a gift. Now I know—they are a cage with a pretty door. We deserve the whole internet. Not just the parts a company decides are ‘free.’” Title: The Free Internet Trap Setting: A small,

After her speech, a representative from a major mobile network approached her. “We’re reviewing our zero-rating policies,” he said quietly. “Maybe it’s time for a change.”

Zara smiled, but she didn’t celebrate yet. That night, she sat on her charpai again, opened her browser, and stared at the familiar error message: “This site requires a data connection.”

She closed her eyes and whispered to herself: “Not forever.”

Endnote for readers:
Zero-rated websites still exist in Pakistan, often marketed as “Free Basics” or “Social Pass.” While they provide limited access, critics argue they violate net neutrality and trap users in a narrowed version of the web. Zara’s story is fictional, but her struggle is real for millions.

Despite the short-term wins, tech policy experts warn that zero-rating violates the principle of Net Neutrality—the idea that all internet traffic should be treated equally.

Zero-rating is the practice where an internet service provider (ISP) or mobile network operator (MNO) does not apply data charges to traffic associated with a particular application or category of applications.

In Pakistan, this usually manifests in two ways:

In 2018, PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) introduced the Prohibition of Anti-Competitive Practices in Telecom Rules, which discouraged discriminatory data tariffs. Yet zero-rated offers persist under the guise of “promotional packages.” Users are not choosing WhatsApp because it’s better; they are choosing it because everything else is unaffordable.

Zero-rating allows a curious student to browse Wikipedia or read educational blogs without burning credit. For someone earning PKR 20,000 a month, spending PKR 1,500 on a 50GB bundle is prohibitive. A PKR 50 "WhatsApp pass" allows them to maintain communication with employers, family, and clients.

| Network | USSD Code | SMS Command | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Jazz | *117# | Send “SUB” to 117 | | Zong | *646# | — | | Telenor | *345# | — | | Ufone | *778# | — |

After dialing, look for “Social Package” or “Zero-rated apps” in the menu.

Pakistan has a schizophrenic relationship with net neutrality.

In 2018, the PTA officially issued the Prohibition of Anti-Competitive Practices in the Telecom Sector regulations, which took a strong stance against discriminatory tariffs. However, the language left a loophole: zero-rating was allowed if it was "transparent" and if the carrier offered the same discount to all similar content providers (which rarely happens).

As of 2025, there is no outright ban on zero-rating in Pakistan. The PTA views it as a "commercial product," not a net neutrality violation. However, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has fined operators in the past for creating monopolistic bundles that hurt smaller social media apps.

COVID-19 was the ultimate experiment. When schools closed, zero-rated educational websites became a hot topic. The government urged operators to zero-rate Taleemabad, SABAQ, and the federal government’s e-learn portal. But most operators only complied partially or for a limited time.

Why? Because zero-rating is expensive for telcos. Every megabyte given away for free is a megabyte not sold. So operators focus their “generosity” on data-efficient apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Lite) that cost them little to carry, not on video-heavy educational platforms.