World Bank Approves $70 Million for Internet Project in Punjab

The World Bank has approved a $70 million loan for Punjab’s Connected Punjab Program, which aims to expand broadband internet access, improve digital public services, and promote cashless payments across the province.

According to the World Bank, the project will support Punjab’s digital transformation by improving internet connectivity, expanding digital government services, and encouraging greater private sector investment in digital infrastructure.

The financing will come through the International Development Association (IDA) and is part of a broader $278 million program, with the Punjab government contributing $208 million.

One of the project’s main goals is to reduce regulatory hurdles that slow broadband expansion. The program aims to cut the average Right of Way permit processing time from 90 days to 21 days, helping increase fixed broadband coverage from 7.8 million people to 9.9 million by June 2031. It is also expected to attract at least $50 million in private investment in digital infrastructure.

The project will also strengthen the province’s digital infrastructure by supporting government computing systems and enabling provincial departments to deliver AI-enabled public services. By 2031, the program aims to provide improved digital public services to 28.9 million people and increase the share of women using digital government services from 19 percent to 30 percent.

Another key component of the program focuses on promoting digital payments. Punjab plans to introduce a Digital Invoice Management System and interoperable payment infrastructure to support cashless transactions.

The project targets 350,000 active users of digital payment systems by June 2031.

The Connected Punjab Program complements the federal government’s Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), which is building Pakistan’s national digital public infrastructure.

Together, the two initiatives are intended to improve connectivity, expand digital services, and strengthen the country’s digital economy.