Digital Middlemen Bridging Digital Divide In Rural South Punjab
UrduPoint
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Multan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2026)
A new kind of business in the form of services, namely "the digital middlemen," is emerging fast in almost every small town of backward but culturally rich South Punjab, though most people don't yet know it by that name. Sometimes, even those within the same household may not recognize their vital role. Shop by shop, they are quietly bridging South Punjab’s digital divide, working behind the scenes as the unsung architects of a new era. Their efforts may go unnoticed by most but they are shaping a future which many cannot yet see.
People Walk Into These Shops...
People walk into these shops with identity documents, smartphones and a long list of questions. They seek help applying for jobs, submitting forms, registering for government schemes, checking applications, uploading documents, or finding the right website. For many, these simple online tasks are daunting.
For them, the person sitting behind the computer is more than a shopkeeper. He is a digital middleman. Tanveer from Pipli is one such unassuming hero in the shadows.
As the World Around Him Remains Unaware...
As the world around him remains unaware, he silently weaves the threads of change bridging gaps, creating opportunities and shaping the future of his community. His story is a testament to the power of those willing to step into the unknown.
Tanveer runs a small digital-service shop where he helps locals complete online tasks. Students come to apply for jobs and educational programs. Farmers seek assistance with government schemes. Others need help with forms, registrations, payments, or document submissions.
"Many people visit my shop for online services," Tanveer told APP. "They verify welfare schemes, apply for jobs and more. I guide them and fill out their details online, charging a small fee."
A Similar Example: Hamid Noori in Vehari
A similar example is Hamid Noori in Vehari, who provides digital services to people with smartphones and internet access but lacking the necessary knowledge to navigate online platforms.
Their small businesses are part of a broader change sweeping across South Punjab. As government departments, banks, educational institutions and private organizations shift more services online, many find themselves on the other side of the digital divide. They own phones and use social media but struggle to visit official websites, fill out forms, or upload documents.
This Gap Has Fueled Demand For Digital Middlemen
This gap has fueled demand for digital middlemen. Teenagers and young adults often offer these services, bridging the divide among their communities.
Mr. Abdur Rauf, another provider, explained, "The work is simple but important. Customers bring information from WhatsApp or Facebook. I verify it, visit the relevant websites, and confirm whether schemes or services are genuine." Verification has become crucial, as misinformation spreads rapidly online.