Ministry of IT To Appoint New CEO of Universal Service Fund

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has completed the interview process for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position at the Universal Service Fund (USF).

Sources within the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication informed ProPakistani that a total of 35 applications were received for the CEO position at USF.

The Nomination Committee has shortlisted 12 highly qualified candidates, and after conducting thorough interviews, the Universal Service Board is now ready to present a panel of three names for the final selection of the new CEO. The selected individual will serve on a contractual basis for a three-year term.

Haris Mehmood Chaudhry, the former CEO of USF, concluded his four-year term on August 15 this year, declining an offer for a one-year extension from the IT Ministry.

Also Read: IT Ministry Sets Up Mobile Phone Installment Plan

It’s noteworthy that the Ministry of IT and Telecom did not seek approval from the Election Commission of Pakistan for the appointment of the CEO at USF, and sources indicate that the appointment process was initiated during the final days of the previous government.

The USF plays a crucial role in advancing telecommunication services in underserved and remote areas across Pakistan. Under Haris Mehmood Chaudhry’s leadership over the past four years, the USF achieved significant milestones, connecting an impressive 40 million people in rural areas.

During this period, the USF successfully executed 83 projects with a total value of Rs. 77.7 billion, marking a substantial increase from the 76 projects valued at Rs. 57 billion undertaken in the preceding 13-year period.