Universal Service Fund (USF) approved 9 projects worth over Rs13 billion to expand high-speed internet, voice services and fibre-optic coverage in 11 districts.

The decision was taken during a board meeting of the USF, which operates under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

Officials said the new projects aim to accelerate efforts to reduce the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

IT Secretary and USF Board Chairman stated that the initiatives follow directives from Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima to speed up nationwide digital inclusion.

He noted that the projects will provide services to more than 5.5 million people.

USF CEO Zarar Hasham Khan said residents of 178 towns, union councils, and 753 villages in the targeted districts will gain access to the digital ecosystem.

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He added that improved connectivity in rural and underserved regions will support the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.

Zarar Hasham said that USF projects have already enabled digital access for 39.4 million people in remote areas.

He emphasised that the newly approved schemes will further enhance nationwide coverage.

According to project details, three fibre-optic schemes covering 1,428 kilometres will be implemented in Sialkot, Narowal, Ziarat, and Quetta.

Six additional broadband projects will be introduced in Umerkot, Gujranwala, Kohat, Khuzdar, Muzaffargarh, Mansehra, and Mandi Bahauddin.

The meeting was attended by PTA Chairman Major General Hafeez ur Rehman, Telecom Member Jahanzeb Rahim, Muhammad Yousaf, and Aila Majid.