Public Wi-Fi hotspots will soon be available in select parks and along metro routes in Islamabad as part of targeted efforts to improve digital connectivity in the capital, according to Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima. Speaking during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, the minister clarified that while there is currently no plan for citywide public Wi-Fi coverage in Islamabad, limited-scale implementations will begin this year with allocated funds already released for deployment.
During the committee meeting, Shaza Fatima responded to questions regarding internet access and digital infrastructure in the capital. She stated that the Ministry of IT is prioritizing public spaces such as parks and metro stations for hotspot installation to facilitate easier access to internet services for citizens. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader focus on improving digital access in essential public facilities.
The minister also highlighted that separate efforts are underway to enhance connectivity in government schools and hospitals across Islamabad. According to her, around 100 schools in the city currently lack internet connectivity. Using its existing budget, the Ministry of IT is undertaking a plan to fiberize these schools, as well as hospitals and police stations, to support the delivery of digital services including online education and e-health. Coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of Health to ensure that healthcare institutions are equipped to provide telemedicine and other online medical services.
In parallel, underground fiber optic cables are being laid to strengthen connectivity infrastructure within these public sector institutions. The aim is to ensure that key government buildings have reliable internet access that supports both administrative functions and public service delivery. The IT minister emphasized that these measures are crucial for enabling remote education, digital healthcare, and improved coordination among departments.
Work is also progressing on the Smart Islamabad project, which aims to integrate technology-based solutions into the city’s infrastructure. While further details on the project were not shared during the session, it is expected to include enhancements in connectivity, surveillance, and data-driven public services. The Smart Islamabad initiative reflects the ongoing shift toward smarter governance models being adopted in urban centers across the country.
These connectivity upgrades fall under the Ministry of IT’s broader mandate to bridge the digital divide and promote access to digital services for all citizens. By focusing on targeted, high-impact areas, the government is laying the groundwork for future expansions in connectivity without requiring large-scale, resource-intensive deployments at this stage. With implementation of public Wi-Fi and fiber optic networks underway, Islamabad is expected to see incremental improvements in internet availability for both everyday users and critical service providers.
