The World Bank has approved $70 million in financing for the Connected Punjab Programme (CPP), a major initiative aimed at expanding broadband connectivity, improving digital public services and accelerating the adoption of cashless transactions across Punjab. The programme is designed to complement Pakistan’s broader digital transformation agenda by extending national digital infrastructure and services to millions of citizens throughout the province. The financing forms part of a wider $278 million programme, with the Punjab government contributing the remaining funds. One of the programme’s primary objectives is to remove regulatory and administrative barriers that have slowed private sector investment in broadband infrastructure, particularly in underserved urban areas. As part of the reforms, the government aims to reduce the average processing time for Right-of-Way permits from 90 days to just 21 days, making it easier for telecom operators and internet service providers to expand fiber networks.
By June 2031, the programme targets an increase in fixed broadband coverage from 7.8 million to 9.9 million people, bringing approximately 2.1 million additional residents online. It also aims to facilitate at least $50 million in private investment in digital infrastructure, helping accelerate broadband expansion while improving internet accessibility across the province.Another key component of the initiative focuses on modernizing government technology infrastructure. The programme will support investments in shared computing infrastructure that enables provincial and local government departments to develop and deploy AI-powered public services at scale. By 2031, the initiative aims to improve digitally enabled government services for nearly 28.9 million people while increasing the share of women using digital public services from 19 percent to 30 percent.
The Connected Punjab Programme also seeks to accelerate the province’s transition toward a cashless economy. Plans include establishing a Digital Invoice Management System and creating interoperable payment infrastructure that links digital payments, invoicing and government reporting. The programme targets 350,000 active users of cashless payment systems by June 2031, supporting greater financial inclusion and encouraging wider adoption of digital transactions. The initiative builds upon the federal government’s Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), ensuring that investments in national digital infrastructure translate into practical benefits at the provincial level. By combining expanded broadband connectivity, AI-enabled government services and modern digital payment systems, the Connected Punjab Programme is expected to strengthen Punjab’s digital economy, improve access to public services and create new opportunities for citizens, businesses and investors.
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