ISLAMABAD: APR 24 (DNA):Addressing the occasion, Chief Guest Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Ms. Shaza Fatima further said that, as a Pakistani woman, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power technology can have in a young woman’s life. Today is a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
Over the past years, empowering women in technology has moved from aspiration to action in Pakistan. She has been a consistent advocate for women’s inclusion across all ICT sectors. Many top students in IT programs are female, and women-led tech ventures are beginning to make waves, even on global platforms. This success reflects their relentless pursuit and the enabling policies that support them.
“Together, let us create a Pakistan where every girl can harness technology to fulfil her potential and where empowerment is not a dream, but a digital reality,” Ms. Shaza Fatima said. She added that the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication has worked to build an ecosystem that supports, safeguards, and scales the ambitions of women in tech.
From broadband expansion and safe online spaces to startup incubation and digital skills, every initiative is designed with inclusion in mind. Highlighting the National Broadband Initiatives, the Federal IT & Telecom Minister said that since its inception, USF has awarded 161 projects, deployed broadband in over 21,600 mauzas, served a population base of 37.1 million people, and contracted over 4,400 telecom sites—of which more than 4,100 are already deployed.
Across the country, 17,200 kilometers of Fiber Optic Cable (OFC) now run through previously unserved districts, touching more than 1,000 towns and Union Councils—connecting them to the national grid of opportunity. Women and girls in many of these areas are going online for the first time—to study, work, and lead.
This year, the Prime Minister has provided funds of Rs. 23 billion to the USF. The Ministry of IT & Telecommunication will continue to lead this journey with inclusivity at its core. “However, we need all of you—as mentors, investors, role models, and allies—to accelerate this momentum,” Ms. Shaza Fatima emphasized.
The Ministry of IT & Telecommunication will continue to lead this journey with inclusivity at its core. However, we need all of you—as mentors, investors, role models, and allies—to accelerate this momentum. The Universal Service Fund (USF) has expanded digital access nationwide, deploying broadband in over 21,600 mauzas and laying 17,200 km of fiber optic cable to connect 1,000+ underserved towns and UCs. With 161 projects awarded and over 4,100 telecom sites deployed, USF is accelerating connectivity through upcoming initiatives in districts like Sialkot, Badin, Abbottabad, and Sanghar.
These efforts reflect USF’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive and future-ready Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by MNA Ms. Sharmila Faruqui, senior officials from the Ministry of IT & Telecom, USF, Mobilink Microfinance Bank, GSMA and, representatives from academia, prominent women entrepreneurs, telecom sector, including Jazz, IT & Telecom industry.
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