ISLAMABAD: The NGMS Core Upgradation (2024-2026) project, aimed at enhancing the NGMS PR/DR Core Network in AJK and GB, has seen slow financial progress, with only 1% of the funds utilized despite the project being two years into its timeline.
While physical progress stands at 10%, a significant portion of the total budget of 715 million remains unutilized, with 615 million proposed for FY 2025-26. The project’s primary goal is to improve tele-density and telecom services, but delays in fund disbursement and execution could hinder timely completion and impact the overall infrastructure development.
Similarly, the Expansion of Cellular Services in AJK and GB (Phase IV) (2024-2027), which involves the installation of 28 new cellular sites along with civil infrastructure, has also seen slow financial progress at 2%, despite physical progress reaching 10%. With a total cost of 1,997 million, only 4.125 million has been utilized so far, while 1,000 million is proposed for FY 2025-26.
The project is crucial for enhancing mobile connectivity in remote areas and promoting tourism, aligning with the Government of Pakistan’s vision. However, the delayed financial execution raises concerns about whether the infrastructure expansion will be completed on schedule.
Overall, both projects face slow fund utilization and execution delays, which could impact their successful implementation within the given timelines. The heavy reliance on large budget allocations for FY 2025-26 suggests that major work is still pending, requiring faster execution and streamlined fund disbursement.
Since these initiatives are essential for boosting digital connectivity, improving telecom infrastructure, and supporting economic activities like tourism, it is crucial to accelerate progress to avoid cost overruns and meet project deadlines.
