By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: The Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded contract worth approximately Rs 2.07 billion to Ufone for providing High Speed Mobile Broadband services in Kech district of Balochistan province.
Federal Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque and Federal Minister for Defence Production, Zubaida Jalal witnessed the contract signing ceremony held at the USF office on Friday, said a press release.
The contract was signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO, USF with Nadeem Khan, Acting CEO & Group Chief Financial Officer, Ufone. Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui and Chairman PTA, Maj. Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa were also present at the ceremony.
Sector Commander South, Brigadier Atif Bin Saeed and senior government officials from Turbat virtually attended the ceremony. Addressing at the ceremony Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said, “In light of the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF has awarded yet another project for the socio-economic betterment of the people of Balochistan.
Through the contract being awarded today, residents of Kech district will reap the benefits of High Speed Internet in a span of 12-18 months. It is our priority to ensure that Balochistan remains at the forefront of technology development as we continue to work towards building a robust Digital Pakistan. The digital connectivity will open unprecedented new possibilities for the marginalized communities of Kech district; enhancing their ability to work and transact online and engage in the digital economy.
The Minister also paid special gratitude to the Federal Minister of Defense Production, Zubaida Jalal who has played a significant role in highlighting the region for digital transformation and emphasizing on the importance of digital inclusion for the growth and prosperity of the youth.
“The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF has contracted various development projects worth approximately Rs 7 Billion to provide High Speed Mobile Broadband services in districts of Chagai, Noshki, Bolan, Mastung, Panjgur, Gwadar, Ziarat, Jaffarabad and Pishin. These projects are expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months from the date of commencement,†he said. The Federal Minister for IT also said, “Today, in this regard, it is pertinent to highlight the progress of National Highways program.
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF has initiated development projects worth approximately Rs 1.8 Billion to provide High Speed Mobile Broadband services to commuters on all National Highways in Balochistan, thereby covering a road segment of 1,780 km. NH 10 and NH 25 is 75 % completed whereas NH 50 and NH 70 are 50 % completed.
Likewise, NH 25 and NH 65 are 25 % completed. All National Highway projects will be completed within the next 6 to 9 months†. In Balochistan, the youth are benefiting from DG Skills and Virtual University’s education programs. So far, 25,000 youngsters have completed free licensing courses amongst others through DG Skills. Similarly, through Virtual University programs, offline centers have been established in 9 districts whereby thousands of students can access educational courses without any internet service.
