ISLAMABAD News Desk: In a major step toward Pakistan’s goal of becoming a “Digital Nation,” the Universal Service Fund (USF), operating under the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication (MoITT), has partnered with the Internet Society (ISOC), Global Development Inclusion Partnership (GDIP), Nayatel and DEMO to establish the “Jhuggi Wala Community Network” in District Muzaffargarh, Punjab.
The initiative was formally announced at a ceremony held in Islamabad, bringing together senior policymakers, regulators, development partners and private-sector stakeholders. The community network aims to bridge the digital divide in one of Punjab’s underserved rural areas by improving access to internet connectivity and promoting meaningful digital inclusion.
Addressing the gathering, Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, Chief Executive Officer of USF, highlighted the organization’s nationwide achievements. He noted that USF has launched 107 broadband projects with a cumulative investment exceeding PKR 95.27 billion, of which 94 projects have been completed, connecting 39.4 million people in unserved and rural regions. He added that connectivity has been extended along 2,585 kilometers of motorways and national highways, while 19,169 kilometers of optical fiber cable have been laid through 28 OFC projects at a cost of PKR 41.43 billion.
Mr. Naveed said the Jhuggi Wala Community Network is a direct outcome of the vision and guidance of Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who has emphasized moving beyond basic connectivity toward holistic digital inclusion. He stressed that empowering local communities—particularly women—through digital literacy and skills development is essential to ensuring the effective use of connectivity.
Naveed Haq, Senior Director at the Internet Society, outlined the objectives of the community network model, describing it as a catalyst for rural development. He called for stronger collaboration among regulators, telecom operators and private-sector partners to build inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystems in underserved areas.
The event also featured a high-level policy dialogue with participation from Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar (Member Compliance, PTA), Ms. Saira Faisal (Country Lead, GSMA), Waqar Haider (Special Communication Organization), Sohail Manzoor (National Rural Support Programme), Waqas Hassan (GDIP) and Aqeel Khurshid (CTO, Nayatel).
Speakers emphasized the urgency of connecting rural communities, closing the digital usage gap, and embedding gender-focused digital inclusion measures to support women’s empowerment. The Universal Service Fund was widely commended for its role in executing multi-billion-rupee projects that extend connectivity to remote regions and enable socio-economic development.
The Jhuggi Wala Community Network is being hailed as a landmark public–private partnership that advances digital equity, addresses barriers to internet usage, and strengthens Pakistan’s rural digital economy.
