ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Universal Service Fund (USF) has approved seven major projects worth Rs7.49 billion to improve high-speed internet and 4G connectivity in underserved areas of Pakistan. This step is expected to benefit nearly 960,000 people across 347 locations in 10 districts.
The announcement was made during the USF Board’s 98th meeting, chaired by Zarar Hasham Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, held at USF headquarters on Sunday, Radio Pakistan reported.
Among the approved initiatives are two large-scale Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) projects aimed at providing high-speed fixed broadband to approximately 2.8 million people in the Sanghar and Jhang districts. These projects will involve the deployment of 940 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure, linking 113 towns and union councils.
The 98th Board meeting of the Universal Service Fund – Pakistan (USF Co) was convened on June 19, 2025, under the chairmanship of Mr. Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary IT & Telecommunication, with CEO Universal Service Fund Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, Member Telecom Mr. Muhammad… pic.twitter.com/v6l4J76paG
— Universal Service Fund- Pakistan (@USF_Pak) June 29, 2025
“The Fund is not only launching new projects but also closely monitoring the timely completion of existing initiatives,” said Zarar Hasham Khan. “Under the guidance of Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the USF is reshaping Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.”
Khan noted that the USF’s ongoing efforts have already connected more than 37 million people across the country. “These efforts are helping young entrepreneurs and women in remote areas become freelancers and start businesses, thereby boosting Pakistan’s IT exports,” he added.
Five other projects, with a combined value exceeding Rs1.83 billion, will bring 4G mobile broadband services to nearly 1,000 villages and settlements in Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin, and Abbottabad.
The projects are part of a wider effort to accelerate digital inclusion and stimulate economic activity through improved internet connectivity across Pakistan.
All contracts were awarded to the lowest bidders through a transparent procurement process, according to officials.
Zarar Hasham Khan stated that under the leadership of Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the USF is playing a key role in transforming Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. He highlighted that more than 37 million people have already been connected through USF initiatives.
