Universal Service Fund (USF) Board of Directors meeting held here on Wednesday to discuss connectivity expansion in Pakistan. The 85th meeting was chaired by Secretary Information Technology and Chairman USF Board, Navid A. Shaikh, said a press release.
The board members were joined by the newly appointed members, who bring a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the organization.
Among the newly appointed board members are Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Hatem Bamatraf, CEO of PTCL (Nominee of Fixed line licensees), Wang Hua, CEO of Zong (Nominee of mobile cellular licensees), and Independent Members/Directors Sofia Saeed, Ayla Majid, and Muhammad Yousuf. Muhammad Omar Malik, Member-Telecom, MoITT, as well as other board members and USF management, were also in attendance.
The USF, under the leadership and vision of the Minister of IT and Telecommunication, is proud to announce a significant achievement with the appointment of two distinguished female members, Sofia and Ayla, who assume the roles of Independent Members/Directors on the USF Board.
This milestone represents a remarkable step towards fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within the organization, recognizing the invaluable contributions women make to public offices. The presence of female representation on the board enriches the decision-making process and ensures a more holistic and comprehensive approach.
The meeting provided a platform to discuss vital matters concerning the development and expansion of connectivity in underserved and unserved areas across Pakistan. The Federal Minister for Ministry of IT & Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, warmly welcomed the newly appointed board members.
In his message he emphasized the ministry’s commitment, in collaboration with the USF, to address the existing connectivity disparities that exist throughout Pakistan.
The focus remains on establishing pervasive connectivity, even in the most remote and geographically challenging areas, to foster digital inclusion and bridge the digital gender divide. —APP
