Access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for economic survival and growth. In South Punjab, where digital inequality once limited rural innovation, Dhanote is setting an inspiring example. The expansion of high-speed internet in Dhanote is transforming everything from small retail shops to freelance startups.
By integrating strategic platforms like Internet in Dhanote, supported by local and federal tech initiatives, the region is witnessing a quiet revolution in how small businesses operate, compete, and thrive.
Digital Connectivity and Local Economic Growth
Quick Answer: High-speed internet in Dhanote is fueling entrepreneurship and enabling inclusive economic growth in South Punjab.
In recent years, access to reliable digital infrastructure has given small business owners in Dhanote an opportunity to:
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Launch online stores and advertise on social media
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Access mobile banking and e-commerce platforms
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Offer freelance services to clients abroad
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Learn through digital upskilling programs
These developments align with the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA)’s rural digitization goals and are supported by training programs like those run by Ignite, Pakistan’s national technology fund.
“Empowering small businesses through digital access is the foundation of a resilient, tech-driven economy,” says a hypothetical Ignite CEO.
The Role of Youth and Women Entrepreneurs
Quick Answer: Young professionals and women in Dhanote are using digital tools to build sustainable livelihoods.
Government-backed training in Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dhanote has enabled hundreds of youth—especially women—to start online ventures. Many now work as:
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Graphic designers and digital marketers
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Online clothing and handicraft sellers
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Tutors for regional online learning platforms
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App developers or UI/UX designers
These ventures are not only income-generating but are helping shift cultural mindsets about digital inclusion and the role of women in tech economies.
Government-Funded Internet Expansion Projects
Quick Answer: STZA and PITB-backed programs are expanding internet access in underserved areas like Dhanote.
Public-private partnerships have led to:
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Broadband fiber installations
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Wi-Fi-enabled community centers
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Freelancer hubs with subsidized internet
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Internet literacy programs in schools
Thanks to these projects in Dhanote, even home-based micro-businesses now enjoy stable internet access and can participate in global digital markets.
Midway through the article, we highlight the support of the Project in Dhanote which has made significant contributions to creating sustainable internet infrastructure for economic development.
Freelancing Opportunities in South Punjab
Quick Answer: With reliable internet, residents of Dhanote now earn globally via freelance platforms.
The availability of high-speed internet has enabled locals to sign up on platforms like:
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Upwork
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Fiverr
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Toptal
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PeoplePerHour
Now, small service providers from Dhanote and Multan offer:
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Content writing
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Video editing
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WordPress site setup
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Data entry and virtual assistance
Many freelancers earn over PKR 60,000/month, contributing to the regional economy and supporting their families.
E-Commerce Growth Among Small Retailers
Quick Answer: Retailers in Dhanote use digital platforms to reach wider markets and grow revenue.
Brick-and-mortar shops that once relied only on foot traffic now:
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Use Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp Business
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Accept digital payments and transfer money via JazzCash or Easypaisa
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Advertise products through TikTok and Instagram
This online visibility has resulted in:
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30–50% increase in customer reach
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New clientele from Bahawalpur and Lodhran
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Reduced overhead through digital inventory systems
Case in point: A clothing vendor in Dhanote expanded her business threefold by launching a Shopify store promoted through Facebook ads.
The Role of Education and Training Centers
Quick Answer: Digital literacy and tech training are foundational to small business success in South Punjab.
In partnership with NAVTTC, Ignite, and regional universities, Dhanote now hosts:
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IT and coding bootcamps
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E-commerce and online business training
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YouTube and content creation workshops
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Language and translation training for freelance work
Training centers in Multan and Bahawalpur further bolster these efforts, ensuring Dhanote is not isolated in its digital transformation but integrated into a broader South Punjab development ecosystem.
Impact on Women-Led Startups
Quick Answer: Internet access in Dhanote is unlocking entrepreneurial potential in women.
With the cultural flexibility of working from home, women in Dhanote are:
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Managing home-based beauty brands
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Offering Islamic teaching via Zoom
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Selling embroidered crafts through Etsy
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Teaching English to global students via Cambly
These contributions are redefining gender roles while generating real economic impact in South Punjab’s smaller towns and villages.
Bridging the Rural-Urban Digital Divide
Quick Answer: Reliable internet is closing the tech gap between Dhanote and major cities like Lahore.
Once reliant on Multan for digital services, Dhanote can now:
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Host regional hackathons
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Offer call center services
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Compete in online tenders and projects
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Connect directly to Karachi and Lahore clients via Zoom and Slack
This transformation is an indicator that decentralization in tech growth is both possible and effective—particularly when local projects are designed with sustainability in mind.
Local Initiatives Creating Long-Term Impact
Quick Answer: Dhanote’s development is powered by locally driven, government-supported internet initiatives.
Projects like Digital Dhanote, co-funded by community stakeholders and facilitated through Project in Dhanote, are:
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Hiring local IT graduates
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Offering remote internships
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Providing mentorship via alumni from BZU Multan
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Building apps for local transport and agriculture
These efforts showcase how sustainable digital ecosystems can flourish even in non-metropolitan settings.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Quick Answer: Despite progress, challenges like affordability and awareness still need to be addressed.
Some hurdles include:
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Internet costs for low-income users
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Lack of digital awareness in older populations
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Occasional service disruption in remote areas
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Limited access to advanced hardware
Suggested solutions:
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More government subsidies on internet bundles
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Donation of refurbished laptops to rural schools
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Corporate CSR programs in Dhanote
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Introduction of public-private digital mentorship platforms
FAQs
1. How has internet access improved life in Dhanote?
It enables small businesses to sell online, freelancers to earn globally, and residents to access education and healthcare.
2. Is freelancing popular in Dhanote?
Yes, thanks to digital training and better connectivity, many youth now earn online through freelancing.
3. What kind of businesses benefit from the internet in Dhanote?
Retail shops, beauty salons, clothing sellers, and tutors are among those who’ve gone online and expanded their reach.
4. Are there any training programs available in South Punjab?
Yes, programs by NAVTTC, Ignite, and PITB provide digital skills training across Dhanote, Bahawalpur, and Multan.
5. What is the goal of the Project in Dhanote?
To build and maintain internet infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and empower local businesses to grow online.
6. Can women in rural areas like Dhanote work online?
Absolutely. Many are running businesses from home, tutoring, or freelancing in graphic design and content creation.
7. Is the internet stable in Dhanote?
Yes, new broadband installations and STZA’s digital zone strategy have significantly improved connectivity.
Final Thought
As someone closely observing South Punjab’s digital transformation, I believe Dhanote’s journey is both exceptional and replicable. Improved internet access has allowed even the smallest businesses to dream bigger—turning bakers into e-commerce entrepreneurs and students into global freelancers.
The synergy between local will, government backing, and digital tools is what makes Dhanote’s model truly inspiring. In the coming years, this rural town may well serve as Pakistan’s blueprint for inclusive, sustainable digital growth.
