Review: The Double-Edged Sword of Zero-Rated Websites in Pakistan

Zong: Visit the "My Zong" app for "Free Basics" and WhatsApp promotions.

Health Information: Sites like BabyCenter for maternal health tips. Job Portals: Local listings to help youth find employment.

Official Government Portals: Websites for Ehsaas, BISP, and COVID-19 information centers have historically been zero-rated to ensure public access to essential services.

zero-rated websites —platforms that do not count against a user's mobile data cap—act as a critical digital lifeline for over 150 million internet users. While often associated with social media giant Facebook (now Meta)

With millions of citizens relying on prepaid mobile connections, zero-rating serves as a "safety net." While it raises questions about Net Neutrality—the idea that all internet traffic should be treated equally—the immediate benefit of providing free access to health and education often outweighs the theoretical concerns for many users. How to Check Your Network’s Offers

The Verdict