Lahore: The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a USD 70 million loan for the Connected Punjab Programme (CPP), aimed at expanding broadband internet access, improving digital public services and promoting cashless transactions across the province.
According to a World Bank statement, the programme complements the federal government’s broader digital transformation agenda and builds on investments being made through the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP). It is intended to help translate national digital infrastructure and policy initiatives into improved services for citizens and businesses in Punjab.
The programme seeks to address regulatory and cost barriers that have limited private sector investment in broadband infrastructure, particularly in underserved urban areas. It aims to reduce the average Right-of-Way permit processing time from 90 days to 21 days, enabling fixed broadband coverage to expand from 7.8 million to 9.9 million people by June 2031. The initiative is also expected to attract at least USD 50 million in private investment in digital infrastructure.
In addition, the CPP will strengthen the province’s digital infrastructure by supporting government computing systems capable of delivering AI-enabled public services at scale. By June 2031, the programme aims to improve access to digital government services for 28.9 million people, while increasing the share of women using these services from 19% to 30%.
The project also seeks to accelerate the adoption of cashless payments by establishing a Digital Invoice Management System and developing interoperable payment infrastructure linking payments, invoicing and government reporting. The target is to enable 350,000 active users of cashless payment systems by June 2031.
Commenting on the initiative, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolormaa Amgaabazar said digital connectivity had become “the infrastructure of opportunity,” adding that the programme would expand access to broadband, strengthen Punjab’s digital backbone and create greater economic and public service opportunities, particularly for women and young people.
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