Over the last few years, the small town of Dhanote, located in South Punjab, has seen a quiet yet significant revolution: the rise of digital infrastructure. No longer is high-speed internet limited to Pakistan’s major cities—rural areas like Dhanote are now being transformed through focused public-private investment. But the question remains: Who’s funding internet development in Dhanote, and why?
As it turns out, a blend of government-backed programs, private sector contributions, and international digital development funds are actively reshaping the future of internet in Dhanote.
The Digital Divide in South Punjab
Quick Answer: South Punjab has long faced internet disparity, now being resolved through new funding and infrastructure strategies.
Unlike urban hubs such as Lahore or Karachi, areas like Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dhanote historically struggled with:
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Poor internet speeds
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Unreliable network infrastructure
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Low digital literacy
According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), over 45% of South Punjab’s population lacked access to stable broadband by 2020. This created severe roadblocks for education, e-commerce, and e-governance.
However, recent multi-agency efforts—including Ignite and STZA—are finally narrowing that digital divide with targeted investments and training programs.
National Broadband Expansion Projects
Quick Answer: National programs like USF and Ignite are key players in funding rural internet development.
Two major contributors to Dhanote’s internet advancement are:
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Universal Service Fund (USF): A Ministry of IT initiative focused on expanding broadband to underserved regions.
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Ignite: A government fund supporting digital skills, incubation, and infrastructure.
Through these platforms, fiber-optic cable is being laid in remote corridors, and rural youth are being trained in IT, coding, and freelancing.
“We’re seeing a surge in digital talent from regions we never expected—Dhanote is a prime example,” says a hypothetical representative from Ignite.
Role of Local Leadership and Private Sector
Quick Answer: Local governments and ISPs are co-investing to boost digital access in Dhanote.
In collaboration with local municipalities in Multan division, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have begun co-financing:
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Fiber installation
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Wireless broadband towers
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School Wi-Fi programs
Public offices in Dhanote, including union councils and libraries, have also introduced digital access zones. These initiatives are often led by local government figures who advocate for inclusion in broader provincial digital strategies.
The Rise of Community Tech Initiatives
Quick Answer: Grassroots digital projects are empowering Dhanote’s youth and women.
With the help of donor-funded community initiatives, small-scale projects are delivering massive impact:
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Digital Literacy Bootcamps for women and girls
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Freelancing workshops by local mentors
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Community Wi-Fi zones in collaboration with youth councils
These programs are indirectly supported by funds funneled through platforms like Ignite, USAID, and UNDP. As a result, Dhanote is slowly becoming a recognized center for youth-led digital innovation in South Punjab.
Dhanote’s Freelancing Potential
Quick Answer: Improved internet in Dhanote has opened freelancing and remote work opportunities.
With better connectivity, Dhanote’s tech-savvy youth are tapping into:
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Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal
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Graphic design, copywriting, and coding gigs
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E-commerce store management
Many of these successes trace back to the Project in Dhanote training modules, part of a broader initiative funded through Project in Dhanote to empower rural freelancers.
The local economy now includes dozens of online professionals contributing directly to Pakistan’s digital export revenue.
Multan and Bahawalpur: Regional Allies in Connectivity
Quick Answer: Dhanote benefits from spillover tech programs and infrastructure from Multan and Bahawalpur.
Two key cities—Multan and Bahawalpur—act as digital growth anchors for Dhanote:
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Multan hosts regional PITB hubs and STZA-linked zones
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Bahawalpur provides technical colleges and software parks
Programs like eRozgaar, initiated by PITB and supported by Punjab Government, offer Dhanote’s residents access to free freelancing and tech training.
This spillover effect means Dhanote doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel—it simply needs to connect the existing ones.
International and Diaspora Support for Internet Projects
Quick Answer: NGOs and Pakistani diaspora are co-funding internet access and tech education in Dhanote.
Apart from national efforts, Pakistani expatriates and international donors are also contributing by:
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Funding computer labs in rural schools
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Donating refurbished laptops
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Sponsoring teachers for tech courses
One notable example is a UK-based NGO that funded a solar-powered Wi-Fi station in a Dhanote school. Such partnerships demonstrate how the diaspora sees tech as a sustainable solution to inequality in their hometowns.
Youth Digital Employment Programs in South Punjab
Quick Answer: Provincial and federal programs are linking internet access to employment generation in the region.
Youth-focused programs include:
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DigiSkills Training by Virtual University
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NAVTTC-certified IT training in Bahawalpur and Khanewal
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Startup Pakistan‘s outreach in South Punjab colleges
Dhanote’s participation in these programs is steadily increasing, particularly in schools and community centers now equipped with reliable broadband.
By ensuring access and education, internet funding in Dhanote isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about long-term livelihoods.
Regional Impact and Future Roadmap
Quick Answer: Dhanote’s internet development is shaping the future of inclusive tech in rural Pakistan.
What began as a basic connectivity need has evolved into a regional movement toward digital inclusion. Going forward, Dhanote is expected to benefit from:
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Smart school projects by the Punjab Education Department
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Digital census and e-governance rollout
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Public-private IT parks and coding academies
This roadmap shows that investing in internet infrastructure leads to social, educational, and economic returns, especially in rural regions like Dhanote.
FAQs
1. Who is funding internet access in Dhanote?
Government agencies like USF and Ignite, along with local authorities and NGOs.
2. How has internet access improved in Dhanote recently?
Fiber-optic infrastructure, wireless towers, and training centers have been introduced across the region.
3. What are the benefits of improved internet in Dhanote?
It supports education, freelancing, healthcare access, and youth empowerment.
4. Are there any freelancing programs for youth in Dhanote?
Yes, through DigiSkills, Project in Dhanote, and eRozgaar programs.
5. What is the role of the diaspora in Dhanote’s digital development?
The diaspora co-funds school projects and donates tech resources for learning.
6. How is Dhanote different from other rural regions?
It has a growing digital infrastructure, tech-educated youth, and support from nearby cities.
7. Is there support for women’s digital literacy in Dhanote?
Yes, several bootcamps and NGO-led programs are aimed at training women in tech.
Final Thought
As someone with deep roots in South Punjab, I’ve watched Dhanote’s rise from a humble village into a digital frontier with pride. The funding behind the internet in Dhanote isn’t just about cables and signals—it’s about creating equal opportunities for the youth, the underserved, and the overlooked.
Thanks to strategic national investments, international aid, and community-driven ambition, Dhanote is no longer waiting for the future—it’s building it. If more regions follow this blueprint, Pakistan’s digital transformation will finally reach the grassroots, where it’s needed most.
