The Universal Service Fund (USF) and Jazz have signed contracts for four landmark Next Generation-Broadband for Sustainable Development (NGBSD) projects, marking a major step toward expanding high-speed connectivity across underserved regions of Pakistan. The signing ceremony was held at the USF Head Office, with Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja attending as chief guest.
The agreements were signed by Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, CEO of USF, and Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz. Valued at Rs. 1.16 billion, the projects will deliver high-speed broadband services across nine districts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, strengthening digital access for rural communities.
In her keynote address, Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that the government is laying the foundation for a “Digital Nation.” She said, “My unwavering mission is to catalyse ICT growth across every avenue. Today, we are witnessing a historic surge in IT exports and international partnerships. To further resolve connectivity challenges, we are in the final stages of the spectrum auction and the upcoming 5G launch.”
She also revealed that USF has approved projects worth over Rs. 20.54 billion in the last six months and announced additional initiatives set to commence in Sindh and Balochistan.
The newly awarded projects will cover Chiniot and Abbottabad as main lots, along with Attock, Sargodha, Khushab, Bahawalnagar, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, and Hafizabad as small lots. The rollout will bring connectivity to approximately 533,000 residents across 203 rural mauzas, with execution targeted for completion within 6 to 18 months.
Highlighting USF’s national contribution, the minister noted total investments of Rs. 136.7 billion to date, including Rs. 95.27 billion for broadband projects connecting 39.4 million people, Rs. 41.43 billion for optical fiber expansion, and high-speed connectivity across major highways and motorways.
CEO USF Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed stated that bridging the digital divide remains critical, given that 61.6 percent of Pakistan’s population resides in rural areas. He said the fund is accelerating execution under the government’s Digital Pakistan vision and rolling out initiatives across all provinces without regional bias.
CEO Jazz Aamir Ibrahim welcomed the partnership, saying, “Jazz is proud to be awarded these four strategic projects. This partnership symbolizes our shared commitment to empowering the underserved and ensuring the benefits of technology reach the heart of rural communities.”
The ceremony concluded with the minister reaffirming the government’s commitment to accelerating innovation and nationwide connectivity to secure a digitally empowered future for Pakistan’s youth
