Federal government seeks US$ 200 million loan from IDA to improve digital infrastructure, connectivity in Pakistan.
In a bid to improve and extend digital connectivity in Pakistan, federal government has set out an ambitious target of US$ 200 million in loan from International Development Association (IDA) aimed at improving and extending digital outreach and efficiency in the country.
The loan will be used to further develop, strengthen and improve digital infrastructure, platforms and supporting regulations for digital services in Pakistan.
Initially the project will be limited to Islamabad, provincial capitals and certain specific second and third tier cities, which will be subjected to significant expansion of broadband infrastructure and outreach.
The improved digital connectivity will significantly facilitate and assist students who are struggling to attend and avail online classes amid COVID-19 restrictions.
Furthermore, it will also result in creating new opportunities for small and medium size enterprises, entrepreneurs, and existing businesses.
In the specific first tier cities, provision of high-speed internet in district hospitals and secondary schools will be ensured.
The initiative is in-fact a part of World Bank’s consolidated assistance programme to Pakistan amid COVID-19 pandemic.
It is pertinent to know that Pakistan has the highest mobile ownership gender gap in the world. In Pakistan access to internet largely depends upon education especially for women, of those of whom with higher education have around 53 per cent chances of access to internet in contrast with those with 6 per cent chance to those who only have primary education.
