The Universal Service Fund has approved seven major connectivity projects totaling Rs. 7.49 billion, aimed at significantly enhancing digital access for millions of people in Pakistan’s remote and underserved regions. In its 98th board meeting held at the USF Head Office, chaired by Secretary Ministry of IT & Telecommunication Zarar Hasham Khan, the board gave the green light to initiatives that will deliver high-speed internet and mobile broadband services to nearly one million residents across 347 mauzas in 10 districts. In parallel, two large-scale optical fiber cable projects were also approved, designed to bring fixed broadband services to another 2.8 million residents across two districts through the deployment of 940 km of fiber.
The high-level meeting was attended by Member Telecom M. Jahanzeb Rahim, Muhammad Yousuf, and CEO USF Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, with Ayla Majid joining via video link. The Board discussed ongoing and upcoming infrastructure development, with the Chairman affirming USF’s focus on completing projects efficiently and according to set timelines under the leadership of Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Zarar Hasham Khan emphasized that USF continues to reshape Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, delivering impactful solutions that serve the broader goals of economic empowerment, especially for youth and women in marginalized areas.
According to the USF leadership, the organization’s efforts have already brought digital access to over 37 million people, helping create pathways for self-employment, online entrepreneurship, and digital skills development. These newly approved projects reinforce USF’s strategic role in Pakistan’s IT and telecom landscape by ensuring rural and remote communities are not left behind in the country’s digital transition.
The board approved the award of seven projects to the lowest evaluated bidders following the completion of procurement procedures. Among these, two OFC projects valued at over Rs. 5.65 billion will span 940 km of fiber in the Sanghar and Jhang districts, connecting 113 towns and union councils. The Sanghar segment will include 415 km of cable, while Jhang’s deployment will cover 525 km. These initiatives will provide essential broadband infrastructure for fixed internet services to nearly 2.8 million people.
Additionally, five broadband service projects worth more than Rs. 1.83 billion were also approved. These will bring 4G mobile connectivity to approximately 0.965 million people living in 347 unserved and underserved areas across 10 districts: Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin, and Abbottabad. These projects are expected to drastically improve telecom access and quality of service for residents in these areas, contributing to national goals of inclusive digital growth.
With this new round of approvals, USF continues to play a foundational role in driving connectivity and digital inclusion across Pakistan, aligning with broader governmental objectives of strengthening the digital economy and building infrastructure that supports innovation and socioeconomic development.
