Govt Approves Rs7.49 Billion Projects to Expand 4G and Fiber Connectivity in Remote Areas

ISLAMABAD: In a major step to reduce the digital divide, the Government of Pakistan has announced a nationwide initiative to expand 4G broadband and fibre optic services to underserved and remote regions of the country.

The decision was finalised by the Universal Service Fund (USF) Board under the leadership of IT Secretary and Board Chairman Zarar Khan, with an overall investment of Rs7.49 billion.

As part of this initiative, seven key infrastructure projects have been approved, including five broadband service projects and two fibre optic deployments. These will cover a combined 940 kilometres of optical fibre, aiming to connect 347 villages and 113 towns or union councils spread across 12 districts.

According to USF, these projects are expected to provide fibre connectivity to approximately 2.8 million people, while nearly 965,000 individuals will gain access to 4G broadband services.

Zarar Khan emphasised that this expanded rollout—executed under the guidance of Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja—will empower youth and women in remote areas by enabling access to freelancing platforms, digital startups, and other economic opportunities through improved connectivity.