Islamabad, January 21, 2026: In a significant move to expand digital connectivity across Pakistan, the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Jazz signed contracts for four high-speed broadband projects worth PKR 1.16 billion. The projects, part of the Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development (NGBSD) initiative, aim to bring advanced internet access to underserved communities in nine districts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The signing ceremony took place at the USF Head Office in Islamabad and was attended by top government and telecom officials. Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, served as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the government’s vision of a “Digital Pakistan.” The agreements were formally signed by Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, CEO USF, and Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz.
Building a Strong Digital Foundation
During her address, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted that these projects are more than contractual agreements—they represent a strategic step toward transforming Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation. She noted the country’s rising IT exports, international partnerships, and the ongoing preparation for the 5G spectrum auction. She also revealed that USF has approved projects exceeding PKR 20.54 billion in the past six months and announced six additional projects scheduled to begin in Sindh and Balochistan.
Project Coverage and Impact
The new broadband initiatives will focus on the following districts:
Main Lots: Chiniot (Punjab), Abbottabad (KPK)
Small Lots: Attock, Sargodha, Khushab, Bahawalnagar, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad
These projects are expected to provide high-speed internet to approximately 533,000 residents across 203 rural mauzas. The expanded connectivity will improve access to online education, telehealth, e-commerce, and employment opportunities. Project completion is targeted within 6 to 18 months, ensuring swift delivery to the communities.
USF’s National Contribution
Minister Khawaja acknowledged USF’s long-term efforts to bridge Pakistan’s digital divide. To date, USF has invested PKR 136.7 billion, including:
PKR 95.27 billion for 107 broadband projects, benefiting 39.4 million people
PKR 41.43 billion for laying 19,169 km of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC)
High-speed connectivity delivery along 2,585 km of motorways and national highways
Accelerated Execution and Leadership
CEO USF Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed highlighted the importance of equitable digital access, noting that 61.6% of Pakistan’s population lives in rural areas. He emphasized that USF, under the “Digital Pakistan” vision, is implementing projects across all provinces without political or regional bias, accelerating nationwide digital inclusion.
Public-Private Partnership for Digital Empowerment
Speaking on the partnership, Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim expressed pride in being awarded the projects. He stressed Jazz’s commitment to ensuring that technology reaches underserved areas, reinforcing the shared goal of nationwide digital empowerment.
The event concluded with Minister Khawaja reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering a digitally connected future for Pakistan’s youth, stressing speed, precision, and innovation in execution.
Distinguished Attendees
The ceremony was attended by key officials, including Ms. Sabheen Ghauri (Parliamentary Secretary, MoITT), Syed Ammar Naqvi (Special Secretary, MoITT), Jahanzeb Rahim (Member Telecom), Brig. (Retd) Nadir Hussain (SIFC), and senior officials from USF, Jazz, and the ICT sector.
