Pakistan is set for a major digital boost as the Universal Service Fund (USF) launches nine large-scale telecom projects worth Rs. 13.05 billion. These projects aim to bring high-speed internet and reliable voice services to 5.55 million people living in remote and underserved regions across 178 towns/union councils and 753 mauzas in 11 districts.
This rollout aligns with the government’s broader vision of Digital Pakistan, focusing on equal digital access for all citizens.
Expanding Broadband Access Across Rural Pakistan
Out of the nine initiatives, six projects fall under the Next Generation Broadband Services for Sustainable Development (NGBSD) program. These will provide high-speed broadband and voice services to 1.26 million people across 753 mauzas in seven districts.
In parallel, three Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) projects will deploy 1,428 km of fiber across 178 towns/union councils. These fiber routes will enable connectivity for 4.29 million additional residents, significantly improving digital opportunities in areas previously left behind.
Official Approval and Governance
The projects were ratified during the 101st USF Board of Directors meeting, chaired by Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary of IT & Telecom and Chairman of the USF Board. Other participants included PTA Chairman Maj. Gen. (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, Member Telecom Jahanzeb Rahim, USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed, and independent board members.
All contracts were awarded to the lowest compliant bidders after a transparent competitive process spanning several months.
Read more: Pakistan launches national roaming service along Makran Coastal Highway
District-Wise Investment Snapshot
NGBSD Projects
• Umerkot (Sindh): Rs. 914.6 million for 243,695 residents in 142 mauzas
• Gujranwala & Mandi Bahuddin (Punjab): Rs. 737.3 million for 234,573 residents in 160 mauzas
• Kohat (KPK): Rs. 359.3 million for 41,404 residents in 24 mauzas
• Khuzdar (Balochistan): Rs. 2.94 billion for 75,637 residents in 144 mauzas
• Muzaffargarh (Punjab): Rs. 1.50 billion for 498,927 residents in 138 mauzas
• Mansehra (KPK): Rs. 1.36 billion for 172,989 residents in 145 mauzas
OFC Projects
• Sialkot (Punjab): Rs. 1.64 billion for 488 km of fiber across 75 towns/UCs
• Narowal (Punjab): Rs. 1.51 billion for 447 km across 66 towns/UCs
• Quetta–Ziarat (Balochistan): Rs. 2.06 billion for 493 km across 37 towns/UCs
Government’s Push for Digital Equality
Chairman Zarrar Hasham Khan has talked about the urgent need to increase tower fiberization nationwide and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging digital gaps under the leadership of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
Expected Impacts of the project of providing high-speed internet
• Bridging the rural-urban digital divide
• Boosting freelancing, e-commerce, and digital jobs
• Improving access to telehealth and distance learning
• Strengthening emergency services and communication reliability
• Supporting local economies through digital market access
• Enhancing social inclusion for remote communities