The World Bank has approved $70 million for Punjab’s digital transformation programme to expand broadband access and modernise public services. The funding will support the Connected Punjab initiative through 2031. The programme aims to improve digital connectivity and government services for millions of residents.
According to the World Bank, the project will expand broadband internet coverage and digital services across the province. The programme targets connecting an additional 2.1 million people to broadband by 2031. Fixed broadband coverage is expected to increase from 7.8 million to 9.9 million people during the implementation period.
The initiative is also expected to attract $50 million in private investment for digital infrastructure. Authorities aim to reduce the processing time for right-of-way permits from 90 days to 21 days. By 2031, the programme seeks to provide improved digital public services to 28.9 million people across Punjab.
The project also focuses on increasing women’s access to digital government services. Officials aim to raise women’s digital service usage from 19% to 30% by 2031. The programme includes developing modern digital infrastructure to support artificial intelligence-powered public services across the province.
The World Bank said the initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national digital and artificial intelligence vision. The Punjab government will contribute $208 million in counterpart funding, while the programme’s total cost stands at $278 million. Additional measures include introducing a digital invoice management system and expanding cashless payment services, with a target of actively connecting 350,000 people to digital payments by 2031.