By: ABID SIDDIQUE CHAUDHRY

The World Ambassador

TWA

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Islamabad: – The Universal Service Fund (USF) has taken another significant step toward the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Digital Pakistan” with the approval of nine new telecom projects worth Rs. 13.05 billion. These projects will provide high-speed internet and voice services to 5.55 million unserved and underserved residents across 178 towns/union councils and 753 rural areas in 11 districts, empowering rural communities to participate in the digital economy and connect with the digital world.

Approved Projects:

• Next Generation – Broadband Services for Sustainable Development (NGBSD):
Six projects will deliver high-speed broadband and voice services to 1,267,225 residents in 753 rural areas across seven districts.

• Optical Fiber Network (OFC) Expansion:
Three projects will lay 1,428 kilometers of optical fiber cable across 178 towns/union councils in four districts, providing connectivity to 4,292,639 residents.

The projects were formally approved during the 101st meeting of the USF Board of Directors, chaired by USF Board Chairman and Secretary IT & Telecommunication, Zarrar Hasham Khan. The meeting was attended by PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, Telecom Member Jahanzeb Rahim, independent board members Muhammad Yousuf and Ms. Ayla Majid, USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed, and other senior officials. The projects were awarded to various service providers following a rigorous and transparent bidding process, selecting the lowest compliant bidders.

USF Chairman Zarrar Hasham Khan emphasized the urgent need to enhance the fiberization of mobile towers and Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) nationwide and encouraged USF to lead this critical effort. He reiterated the government’s commitment:
"Aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister IT & Telecommunication Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, we are fully committed to providing high-quality connectivity to rural populations, thereby bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities."

He praised USF’s role in empowering rural communities, stating that connectivity is a key driver for digital growth and the IT sector. He highlighted the fund’s support for the IT industry, freelancers, and essential health and education services. To date, around 39.4 million rural residents have benefited from broadband, voice, and fixed-line services through USF projects.

Project Details:
USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed briefed the board on the highlights of the new projects, the transparent bidding process, and the expected positive impact in designated areas. The Rs. 13.05 billion portfolio is geographically widespread across the country.

Next Generation Broadband Services (NGBSD) Projects:

Umar Kot (Sindh): Rs. 914.6 million project covering 142 rural areas, connecting 243,695 residents.
Gujranwala & Mandi Bahauddin (Punjab): Rs. 737.3 million project covering 160 rural areas, connecting 234,573 residents.
Kohat (KPK): Rs. 359.3 million project covering 24 rural areas, connecting 41,404 residents.
Khuzdar (Balochistan): Rs. 2.94 billion project covering 144 rural areas, connecting 75,637 residents.
Muzaffargarh (Punjab): Rs. 1.50 billion project covering 138 rural areas, connecting 498,927 residents.
Mansehra (KPK): Rs. 1.36 billion project covering 145 rural areas, connecting 172,989 residents.

Optical Fiber Network (OFC) Projects:

Sialkot (Punjab): 488 km OFC, Rs. 1.64 billion, connecting 2.29 million residents across 75 towns/union councils.
Narowal (Punjab): 447 km OFC, Rs. 1.51 billion, connecting 1.14 million residents across 66 towns/union councils.
Quetta-Ziarat (Balochistan): 493 km OFC, Rs. 2.06 billion, providing high-speed connectivity to 858,783 residents across 37 towns/union councils.

These projects aim to enhance digital inclusion in rural areas and strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy.