The Board of Universal Service Fund (USF) has approved seven major telecommunications projects worth RS7.49 billion to improve high -speed internet and mobile connection for nearly 960,000 people across 347 locations in 10 districts in Pakistan.
The message was made under the USF Board 98. Meeting, President of Zarar Hasham Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of it and Telecommunications held at the USF headquarters on Sunday, Radio Pakistan reported.
Among the approved initiatives are two large -scale optical fiber cable (OFC) projects aimed at delivering high -speed fixed broadband to approx. 2.8 million people in Sanghar and Jhang districts. These projects will involve the implementation of 940 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure connecting 113 cities and trade union councils.
“The fund not only launches new projects, but also closely monitors the timely implementation of existing initiatives,” said Zarar Hasham Khan. “Under the guidance of federal IT minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reshapes USF Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.”
The 98th Board Meeting in the Universal Service Fund – Pakistan (USF CO) was convened on June 19, 2025 under Presidency by 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
Khan noted that the USF’s ongoing efforts have already connected more than 37 million people across the country. “These efforts help young entrepreneurs and women in remote areas of becoming freelancers and starting businesses and thereby increasing Pakistan’s IT exports,” he added.
The Board of Directors awarded all seven contracts to the lowest bidders after a completed procurement process. The two OFC projects are only appreciated over RS5.65 billion. The Sanghar -Segment requires 415 kilometers of fiber, while the Jhang component covers 525 kilometers.
Five other projects, with a total value exceeding RS1.83 billion, brings 4G mobile broadband services to nearly 1,000 villages and residence in Attock, Khushab, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Chiniot, Badin and Abbottabad.
The projects are part of a broader effort to accelerate digital inclusion and stimulate economic activity through improved internet connection throughout Pakistan.
