The Pakistan government has approved major projects to extend 4G broadband and fiber optic infrastructure to underserved and remote regions, aiming to bridge the digital divide across the country. The Universal Service Fund (USF) Board, led by IT Secretary and USF Chairman Zarar Khan, sanctioned seven key initiatives totaling Rs7.49 billion.
These projects include five broadband service expansions and two fiber optic deployments, covering 940 kilometers of fiber to connect 347 villages and 113 towns or union councils across 12 districts. Approximately 2.8 million residents will gain fiber connectivity, with broadband services reaching an additional 965,000 individuals.
Under the guidance of Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima, the accelerated rollout is also fostering digital inclusion by enabling thousands of skilled youth and women from remote areas to engage in freelancing and startup ecosystems. To date, USF has facilitated broadband access for over 37 million people nationwide.
USF CEO Mudassar Naveed detailed allocations including Rs3.27 billion for 415 km of fiber cable in Sanghar and Rs2.38 billion for 525 km in the Jhang region. The expansion will deliver 4G connectivity to rural parts of Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin, and Abbottabad.
The USF Board praised the fund’s vital role in enhancing Pakistan’s IT sector growth and boosting digital exports.
