USF Spending Reaches Rs. 124 Billion With Balochistan Taking Nearly Half of It

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has utilized Rs. 124.19 billion across Pakistan to improve telecommunication infrastructure and expand digital access in underserved areas, according to a written reply submitted in the National Assembly.

According to the official figures, Balochistan received the largest share of USF funding, with Rs 52.30 billion spent on various projects. The minister said the high allocation reflects the province’s priority status due to its large number of remote and underserved areas.

Punjab ranked second, with Rs. 26.03 billion utilized, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which received Rs. 24.22 billion. Sindh was allocated Rs. 20.20 billion, while Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) received Rs. 1.01 billion. In addition, Rs. 409.9 million was spent on projects covering multiple provinces.

The details were shared by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja in response to a question from MNA Naeema Kishwar Khan. The question sought province-wise utilisation of USF funds, compliance with procurement rules, and information on any deviations during the last three years.

Addressing concerns about transparency, the minister informed the House that all USF contracts awarded during the past three years fully complied with Pakistan Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules. She stated that no deviations from prescribed procurement procedures occurred during this period.

She also noted that details of active tenders are available on the PPRA website, and relevant annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library.