ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The World Bank has approved $70 million for the Connected Punjab Program to help Punjab province expand broadband internet access, improve digital service delivery, and enhance cashless transactions.
According to the World Bank, the program seeks to connect an additional 2.1 million people to broadband internet by 2031, increasing fixed broadband coverage in Punjab from 7.8 million to 9.9 million people.
The project is also expected to attract $50 million in private investment for digital infrastructure. As part of the reforms, authorities plan to reduce the processing time for right-of-way permits from 90 days to 21 days, facilitating faster deployment of broadband infrastructure.
By 2031, the program aims to provide improved digital government services to 28.9 million people across the province. It also targets increasing women's access to digital public services from 19% to 30%.
The World Bank said the initiative includes the development of modern digital infrastructure to support artificial intelligence (AI)-powered government services, in line with Pakistan's broader digital transformation goals.
The project will also introduce new measures to promote digital invoice management systems and cashless payments. Under the program, around 350,000 people are expected to become active users of cashless payment systems by 2031.
According to the World Bank, the Connected Punjab Program is aligned with Pakistan's national digital and AI vision. While the World Bank will provide $70 million in financing, the Punjab government will contribute $208 million in counterpart funding, bringing the total value of the program to $278 million.