Islamabad, June 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through Universal Service Fund, launched a “Smart Village” project in four provinces, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan. The project will be funded and technically supported by the International Telecommunication Union and Huawei Technologies Pakistan. Under the project a centre to be set up in a backward village equipped with modern facilities from which not only the people of the area will be trained to use IT facilities but also they will be encouraged to incorporate it in their daily life. Chief Guest of the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque inaugurated the Smart Village Project.

Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO, Universal Service Fund (USF), Dr. Ismail Shah, Area Representative for Southeast Asia, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Mark Meng, CEO, Huawei were also present on the occasion. Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said: “Smart Village project is another step towards realizing Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan.

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF is partnering with ITU and Huawei to digitally transform remote and rural communities by connecting and empowering them through better access to a range of digital services in the domain of health, education, commerce, and livelihood. The project emphasizes on the whole-of-government approach and promote cross-sector collaboration and multi-stakeholder engagement to further improve cost-effectiveness and sharing of resources and expertise in delivering the services to citizens. Initially one Smart Village will be established each at Islamabad, Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan”.

Federal Minister said that National Information Technology Board (NITB) launched more than 30 mobile applications, government web portals and websites related to public services. The benefits of these applications can be availed by the general public only when they access them. He said that the effects of the steps taken under the Digital Pakistan Vision are now beginning to show. We have started the first e-cabinet, working on E-Parliament, E-Office and Internet Voting also.

The Federal Minister congratulated the teams of USF, ITU and Huawei and ensured his support in the implementation of the project. He also said that Ministry of IT and Telecommunication will continue to undertake more challenging and productive programs in future for the promotion of IT and Telecommunication related services. Sharing his thoughts at the ceremony, CEO, USF, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary said: “Smart Village project is consistent with USF’s mission to empower the unserved and underserved communities. This partnership will permit USF, ITU and Huawei to mutually serve their mission.”

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