Program to Cut Permitting Delays, Boost Cashless Payments, and Reach 28.9m Citizens by 2031
Commerce Desk
ISLAMABAD, July 1, 2026: The World Bank’s Board approved $70 million in IDA financing for the Connected Punjab Program to expand broadband access, improve digital service delivery, and scale cashless transactions in Punjab. The $278 million program includes $208 million in counterpart funding from the Punjab government.
The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national digital agenda and the federal Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP). World Bank Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar said “digital connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is the infrastructure of opportunity,” noting the program will bring federal vision to millions, especially women and youth.
To spur private investment, Punjab will cut Right-of-Way permitting from 90 days to 21 days. The target is to expand fixed broadband coverage from 7.8 million to 9.9 million people by June 2031, bringing 2.1 million more online and unlocking at least $50 million in private capital.
The program will also build shared digital infrastructure and AI-enabled capacity across provincial and local agencies. By June 2031, it aims to serve 28.9 million people with enhanced digital public services and raise women’s use of government digital platforms from 19% to 30%.
On payments, it will launch a Digital Invoice Management System and interoperable payment infrastructure, targeting 350,000 people using cashless systems by 2031. Senior Digital Specialist Shahbaz Khan said Connected Punjab complements DEEP by expanding fiber, deploying local AI services, and building a digital payments ecosystem for inclusive growth.
