NEWS

On 4^th June 2026, the current Board of Directors of Universal Service Fund (USF) held its final meeting at the USF office before the completion of its three-year tenure. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary, Ministry of IT & Telecom and Chairman of the Board.

The outgoing Board comprised:

              •            Mr. Zarrar Hasham Khan — Secretary, Ministry of IT & Telecom and Chairman of the Board

              •            Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman — Chairman, PTA

              •            Mr. Muhammad Jahanzeb Rahim — Member Telecom

              •            Ms. Ayla Majid — Independent Director (Financial Expert)

              •            Mr. Muhammad Yousuf — Independent Director (Telecom/ICT Expert)

              •            Mr. Hatem Bamatraf — CEO, PTCL Group

·                Mr.  — CEO, Zong

              •            Mr. Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed — CEO, USF

The achievements realized during the Board’s tenure (June 2023 – June 2026) reflect its commitment to accelerating digital inclusion and national development. Project highlights include:

              •            25 projects approved for award of contracts

              •            14 Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development (NGBSD) projects

              •            11 Next Generation Optical Fiber Network for Sustainable Services (NGOFNS) projects

              •            Total approved projects value of PKR 30.88 billion

              •            Target population of 2.85 million people through Cellular Infrastructure

              •            Mobile Coverage of 1,563 mauzas

              •            Deployment target of 3,809 km of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC)

              •            Connectivity target of 459 Union Councils and towns through OFC

These milestones underscore the significant progress made in expanding broadband access, strengthening digital infrastructure, and creating opportunities for communities across the country.

THE USF Board also approved FY 2026-27 budget of Rs 32.9 billion keeping the forward momentum.

The USF Management extended its heartfelt gratitude to all outgoing Board Members for their invaluable contributions, dedication, and service. The foundations laid during their tenure will continue to support USF’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and enable inclusive socio-economic development throughout Pakistan, in line with Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Nation Pakistan.

We wish all outgoing Board Members every success in their future endeavours and thank them for their distinguished service.