The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has completed the interview phase for the selection of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Universal Service Fund (USF).
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has completed the interview phase for the selection of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Universal Service Fund (USF). A total of 35 applications were received for the prestigious position, highlighting the keen interest in contributing to the development of telecommunication services in underserved areas across Pakistan.
Sources within the Ministry revealed that the Nomination Committee meticulously shortlisted 12 highly qualified candidates for the board’s consideration. Following a series of comprehensive interviews, the Universal Service Board is now set 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, completed his four-year term on August 15, declining a one-year extension offer from the IT Ministry. Despite this, Chaudhry’s leadership over the past four years witnessed remarkable achievements, with the USF connecting an impressive 40 million people in rural and underserved areas. Under his guidance, the USF executed 83 projects valued at a total of Rs. 77.7 billion, marking a substantial increase from the 76 projects worth Rs. 57 billion undertaken in the preceding 13-year period.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of IT and Telecom initiated the CEO appointment process without seeking approval from the Election Commission of Pakistan. Sources suggest that the appointment procedures were set in motion during the final days of the previous government.
The USF, known for its pivotal role in promoting the development of telecommunication services in remote areas, has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide. With the upcoming CEO expected to continue the momentum, the USF aims to further enhance connectivity and accessibility in underserved regions.
As the selection process enters its final stages, anticipation grows over the announcement of the new CEO who will play a crucial role in steering the USF towards continued success in its mission to bring connectivity to all corners of Pakistan.