Lahore (Web Desk): The Punjab government has announced the launch of a new comprehensive initiative under the name "Connected Punjab."
According to government sources, the new project will promote high-speed internet and digital governance systems across the province. The total estimated cost of the project is expected to be around $100 million.
Funds for the project will be secured through external financing, with loan repayment being performance-based. The financing will be provided under the DLI model, meaning that funds will only be disbursed based on measurable progress and performance.
Under the "Connected Punjab" initiative, a fiber-optic network will be laid across the entire province. To facilitate investment by private companies, the government plans to relax Right-of-Way (RoW) and No-Objection Certificate (NOC) regulations. Private telecom companies will be tasked with expanding fiber networks to rural and underserved areas.
Currently, only 16% of mobile towers in Punjab are fiberized. This project aims to address this gap. Additionally, there are plans to connect all government offices to a unified high-speed digital network.
As part of the project, government records and files will be fully digitized, making administrative processes more efficient. Citizens will also be able to pay fees, taxes, and fines using mobile phones or cards. The government aims to connect at least 15 different public sectors to the digital payment system.
The Punjab government claims that through the "Connected Punjab" project, citizens will be able to avoid unnecessary delays, office visits, and issues like bribery, while benefiting from high-speed internet, a transparent system, and better services.