Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja chaired the 49th Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy Committee meeting here on Friday.

Secretary IT Captain (retd) Muhammad Mahmood was also present in the meeting. The meeting approved release of the 4th quarter budget amounting Rs4.7 billion to the USF Company.

According to a statement, the chair was briefed about the ongoing projects of USF. The committee was apprised that the presently total ongoing projects of USF are 33 including 23 of 4G and 10 Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) projects.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima presided over 43rd Ignite Policy Committee meeting. The Committee gave approval for releasing 4th quarter budget Rs318.88 million to the Ignite.

During the meeting, Ignite authorities briefed the meeting about ongoing and future programs of Ignite. Shaza Fatima gave direction for utilizing funds and completing the projects within timeline.