USF Spending Reaches Rs. 124 Billion With Balochistan Taking Nearly Half, The Universal Service Fund (USF) has spent Rs. 124.19 billion across Pakistan to enhance telecommunication infrastructure and expand digital connectivity in underserved areas, according to an official response presented in the National Assembly.
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Balochistan Gets Largest Share
Out of the total allocated funds, Balochistan received the highest share, with Rs. 52.30 billion disbursed for various telecom projects in the province. The significant allocation reflects the region’s extensive remote and underserved areas, where telecom access remains limited.
Province-Wise Allocation Breakdown
- Balochistan: Rs. 52.30 billion
- Punjab: Rs. 26.03 billion
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): Rs. 24.22 billion
- Sindh: Rs. 20.20 billion
- Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT): Rs. 1.01 billion
- Multi-Province Projects: Rs. 409.9 million
Transparency and Compliance
The Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, informed the National Assembly that all USF contracts awarded over the past three years were fully compliant with Pakistan Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules, with no deviations reported. She added that details of active tenders are publicly available on the PPRA website and relevant documents have been placed in the National Assembly Library for transparency.
Focus on Connectivity in Underserved Areas
The USF was established to ensure equitable access to telecommunication services across Pakistan, particularly in regions where private investment is limited. The fund supports infrastructure development, mobile connectivity, broadband expansion, and digital inclusion projects in rural and challenging terrains.
This latest funding distribution marks a continued government effort to reduce the digital divide and promote tech accessibility nationwide.
