Azeem A Khan

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has spent Rs90.67 billion on providing access to telecommunications services in Pakistan since its creation in 2006, while it holds Rs71.060 billion in net funds. The Ministry of Information Technology established the USF to ensure that Pakistan's whole population benefits from the telecom revolution, especially the underserved and unserved areas.

According to a document available with WealthPK, telecom companies have contributed Rs131.298 billion to the USF since its start. Every telecom company has provided 1.5% of its income to the USF. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority gave the USF Rs12.411 billion, while it earned Rs17.366 billion in interest and bank balance. Interest was discontinued in 2016.

The USF has total receipts of Rs161.730 billion, whereas its spending is Rs90.670 billion. The net fund is Rs71.060 million, including Rs57.210 billion in funds with the Ministry of Finance and Rs13.850 billion in funds at public accounts. The USF's spending was recorded at the highest level in 2021-22 at Rs18.750 billion, while its highest inflow was Rs18.642 billion in 2009-10.

Additionally, the USF owns shares of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) worth Rs653.87 million that are payable to AJK. The USF is playing its role in turning the goal of a Digital Pakistan into reality in cooperation with its partners. One of its main goals is to provide reliable internet connections throughout the country.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk