The Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Internet Society (ISOC) jointly hosted a policy forum titled “Bridging the Digital Divide Through Community-Centered Connectivity,” highlighting the success of the Jhuggiwala pilot project in rural Muzaffargarh.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja attended as chief guest and praised the initiative as a practical example of Pakistan’s Digital Nation Vision. She emphasized that meaningful digital inclusion requires more than infrastructure, stating that women can become drivers of the digital economy when provided with safe spaces, affordable internet access, and relevant skills.

USF CEO Ch. Mudassar Naveed said that despite widespread broadband coverage and smartphone ownership, a significant usage gap remains. He noted that infrastructure alone cannot transform communities unless it is connected to people through sustainable, community-led models.

The Jhuggiwala project transformed a facility at a Government Girls High School into a Digital Community Centre for Women equipped with high-speed fiber broadband and modern computer facilities. The center provides training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence tools, online safety, and digital marketing.

Within six months, 209 women and girls received free training, while demand exceeded available capacity by more than 200 percent. Additionally, 25 participants graduated as certified master trainers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.

The event also marked the launch of a policy report outlining a framework for scaling community-centered connectivity projects nationwide. Experts from government, industry, and development organizations discussed strategies for expanding the model to underserved communities across Pakistan.

The forum concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to transform existing digital infrastructure into a catalyst for social and economic empowerment, particularly for women in rural areas.