Islamabad: The Universal Service Fund (USF) Board of Directors has sanctioned seven major projects valued at Rs7.49 billion to enhance high-speed internet access and improve mobile connectivity for nearly 960,000 people residing in 347 localities spread over 10 districts.
The newly approved initiatives feature two large-scale Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) undertakings that will deliver high-speed fixed broadband to around 2.8 million residents in Sanghar and Jhang districts. These projects will deploy 940 kilometers of fiber infrastructure and connect 113 towns and union councils, significantly reducing the digital divide and empowering remote populations.
The decisions were taken during the USF Board’s 98th meeting, chaired by Zarar Hasham Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, held Sunday at the USF headquarters. Participants included Member Telecom M. Jahanzeb Rahim, Muhammad Yousuf, CEO Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, while Ayla Majid attended via video link.
Speaking at the session, Zarar Hasham Khan highlighted that under the guidance of Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the USF is reshaping Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. He noted that the Fund is not only launching new projects but also closely monitoring the timely completion of existing initiatives.
He further stated that USF’s ongoing efforts have already connected over 37 million people, helping young entrepreneurs and women in distant areas to pursue careers as freelancers and develop start-ups, thus accelerating the country’s IT exports and strengthening its standing as a growing technology hub.
During the meeting, CEO Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed shared detailed updates on projects underway, those completed, and future plans. The Board members commended the organization’s impact on expanding connectivity in underserved regions, noting that these investments have significantly contributed to the advancement of Pakistan’s telecom and IT sectors, particularly in rural communities.
As part of the key decisions, the Board awarded seven contracts to the lowest bidders after completing the necessary procurement processes. The two OFC projects alone are valued at over Rs5.65 billion. The Sanghar segment will involve laying 415 kilometers of fiber, while the Jhang section will cover 525 kilometers, promising transformative access to digital services for millions.
Additionally, five separate broadband service projects, totaling more than Rs1.83 billion, were approved to roll out 4G mobile services in nearly a thousand villages and settlements across Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin, and Abbottabad districts. This investment aims to bridge connectivity gaps, stimulate economic activity, and ensure communities have reliable access to fast internet services.
