Rs 9.5B Boosts Telecom, Connectivity in KPK

Pakistan’s IT Minister, Shaza Khawaja writing to the senate reported a total of Rs 9.5 billion has been spent over the last 3.5 years (2021-2025) to improve telecom services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) by the Universal Service Fund – Pakistan (USF). The expenditure powered up 2G, 3G, and 4G networks in 1,600+ mauzas, improved connectivity along 37.43 km of roads, and rolled out 1,159 km of fiber optic cable linking 67 tehsil HQs, towns, and union councils.

Eighteen projects got a slice of the budget pie. Major 2G/3G upgrades areas included Chitral (Rs 16.48M), Kohistan (Rs 16.12M), Khyber (Rs 60.73M), Mohmand (Rs 22.65M), D.I. Khan (Rs 62.27M), and Waziristan (Rs 83.87M) among others. While 4G upgrades targeted Chitral (Rs 1.09B), Swabi (Rs 555M), Swat (Rs 250.23M), Bannu (Rs 251.03M), and Buner (Rs 1.99B). Tourist hotspots were also included with Rs 367.09M allocated across two projects.

Fiber expansion saw FATA and KP get Rs 1.5B+ for 1,158 km of OFC, linking 67 locations. Awarded via competitive bidding, Jazz, Ufone 4G, Telenor, Zong CMPak Ltd, PTCL.Official, and others handle execution, while ensures compliance. Networks only go live after third-party audits confirm everything is up to standard.