ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has provided digital connectivity and advanced IT services to more than 50 universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) located in less-developed areas as part of its efforts to modernise teaching, research and administrative functions across the country.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative is being implemented through the Pakistan Education and Research Network (PERN), which offers high-speed internet connectivity along with supporting digital services to universities in remote and underserved regions. The project aims to ensure equitable access to quality higher education facilities for students and faculty regardless of geographic location.
The PERN connectivity project covers a wide range of cities and districts, including Khairpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bannu, Turbat, Mirpur, Khuzdar, Zhob, Gwadar, Shikarpur, Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Mastung, Dera Murad Jamali, Wadh, Layyah, Hangu, Panjgur, Loralai, Muslim Bagh, Ghotki, Kharan, Swabi, Dera Ismail Khan and Kandhkot, among others.
Under the PERN Core Network expansion, the HEC has extended a long-haul optical fibre network spanning approximately 1,100 kilometres into remote areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The expanded footprint enables universities in these regions to access the same quality and range of digital services available to institutions in more developed parts of Pakistan.
The optical fibre network passes through Lasbela, Wadh, Khuzdar, Mastung, Loralai, Ziarat, Zhob, Turbat, Gwadar and Dera Ismail Khan, significantly strengthening national academic and research connectivity.
In addition to connectivity, the HEC has launched the Smart University Project, which focuses on providing campus-wide Wi-Fi coverage and deploying intelligent safety systems, including surveillance infrastructure, at universities in less-developed areas.
The project is being implemented at campuses in Lasbela, Khuzdar, Okara, Swabi, Nawabshah, Taxila, Sialkot, Jamshoro, Bannu, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mirpur, Khairpur, Tandojam, Narowal, Shikarpur, Gumbat, Mansehra, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Gilgit, Karak, Kohat, Murree, Sahiwal and Haripur.
The commission has also introduced smart classroom facilities at more than 30 universities and HEIs located in remote regions, including Turbat, Kharan, Muslim Bagh, Lasbela, Thar, Kandhkot, Ghotki, Umerkot, Hangu, Chitral and Hunza. These classrooms are equipped with modern technological tools to support both on-campus and distance learning.
Connectivity in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan has been strengthened through links established via the Special Communication Organisation (SCO) network, ensuring that universities in Gilgit, Skardu, Kotli, Rawalakot, Bagh, Hunza and Muzaffarabad remain integrated into the national education and research network.
To further support academic collaboration, the HEC has provided video conferencing facilities to more than 45 higher education institutions in less-developed areas, enabling remote teaching, research collaboration, administrative coordination and participation in national and international academic forums.
Meanwhile, the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for FY2025-26 includes 44 HEC projects with a total allocation of Rs77.8 billion, prioritising infrastructure development in remote and underdeveloped districts through the construction and upgrading of campuses, academic blocks, hostels and laboratories.
