USF instrumental in IT growth, women’s empowerment, says Shaza Fatima

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that technological advancement and national progress cannot be achieved without full gender inclusion.

The role of the Universal Service Fund (USF) in promoting Pakistan’s IT industry is significant. By connecting remote areas to the digital world, USF has empowered women, startups, freelancers, and social media influencers to tap into new opportunities, driving economic growth and innovation.

PM Mian Shahbaz Sharif distributed 1.2 million laptops among the youth during his various tenures. The IT Ministry provided online freelancing training to 4.5 million people through DG Skills Programs.

This was stated by the Federal Minister as the Chief Guest at the occasion titled “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” organized by USF in collaboration with Jazz in connection with International Girls in ICT Day 2025 in Islamabad.

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.

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.

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 kilometres 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.

Earlier, in his welcome address, CEO Universal Service Fund, Ch Mudassar Naveed, said it is an honour to join in celebrating International Girls in ICT Day 2025—a day marked globally under the auspices of the ITU since 2011, dedicated to encouraging girls and young women to explore careers in technology and STEM. This occasion reminds us of that inclusive digital transformation is not just a vision but a necessity.

CEO Mudassar Naveed added that as an organization, USF is committed to connecting the unconnected. The mandate is simple yet powerful: to expand high-speed telecom infrastructure to the farthest and most underserved regions of Pakistan.

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