In a major move toward building a truly connected and technology-driven society, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has officially announced a comprehensive smart city roadmap aimed at transforming Islamabad into Pakistan’s first pilot smart city. The initiative is rooted in the broader “Digital Pakistan” vision and incorporates a multi-pronged strategy that includes fiber infrastructure, AI-driven education, digital healthcare systems, smart public services, and youth tech training.
Backed by strong inter-ministerial collaboration and private sector partnerships, the smart city plan is designed to modernize public services, close the digital divide, and future-proof Pakistan’s capital through cutting-edge technology.
High-Speed Fiberization for Smart Infrastructure
One of the cornerstones of the smart city transformation is the full fiberization of critical public institutions. The Ministry of IT & Telecom has already funded the deployment of high-speed optical fiber networks to:
- All public schools (primary to higher secondary)
- All public health institutions including Basic Health Units (BHUs), rural health centers, and urban hospitals
- Police stations and law enforcement offices
This gigabit-level broadband infrastructure will serve as the digital backbone of Islamabad, enabling real-time communication between agencies, seamless cloud-based data management, and smart resource allocation.
The fiber network rollout is expected to reach 100% institutional coverage within 6 to 8 months, using a hybrid model of underground fiber optics and aerial cabling, ensuring both speed and resilience.
Free Public Wi-Fi for Seamless Connectivity
To bridge the accessibility gap, the Ministry is deploying free high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots across Islamabad at:
- Public parks and recreational areas
- Metro bus stations and stops
- Government service centers
- Major tourist attractions
These hotspots will be powered by enterprise-grade routers and access points, capable of supporting high concurrent user density, and will be secured using firewalls, traffic monitoring, and content filtering systems to prevent misuse. The initiative is being rolled out via public-private partnerships (PPPs) to ensure scalability and financial sustainability.
AI-Powered Education Reform in K–12 Schools
The government’s digital vision includes a systematic integration of AI and emerging technologies into Islamabad’s school curriculum. Key elements include:
- AI, Robotics, Data Science, and IoT modules introduced from Grade 6 onwards
- Hands-on training through AI labs equipped with microcontrollers, sensors, and machine learning kits
- Teacher training programs to build AI-ready educators
- Smart classrooms with interactive boards, cloud learning platforms, and adaptive learning software
A strong emphasis is being placed on rural and underserved schools, using EdTech solutions and low-bandwidth educational platforms to ensure equal digital access for all students, regardless of geography.
The initiative is also being integrated with existing LMS systems, and will be monitored via digital performance dashboards to track student learning outcomes in real time.
Digitized Healthcare & Telemedicine Infrastructure
In coordination with the Ministry of Health, the smart city roadmap includes the creation of a centralized Health Information System (HIS), starting with the introduction of a “One Patient, One ID” digital profile.
This unique health ID will link patients to a nationwide EHR (Electronic Health Records) database, enabling:
- Online appointments
- Real-time lab results
- Cross-department medical history access
- Reduced medical duplication and human error
Once fiber reaches remote health centers, telemedicine services will be rolled out using:
- Secure video conferencing platforms
- Remote diagnostic tools (e.g., digital stethoscopes, ECGs, and thermal imaging)
- AI-assisted triage and chatbots for pre-screening
This will allow specialist doctors in Islamabad to consult patients in rural regions without the need for physical travel, reducing the burden on major hospitals like PIMS while improving healthcare equity.
Massive Youth Upskilling & Tech Talent Development
One of the initiative’s most impactful components is the plan to train 500,000 Pakistani youth in IT and emerging technologies over the next few years. This includes certifications in:
- Cloud computing (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
- Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Web3 technologies like blockchain and smart contracts
- App and game development
These training programs are being developed in collaboration with global tech leaders including Google, Microsoft, and Huawei, and will offer:
- Hybrid (online + offline) formats
- Industry-recognized certifications
- Job placement support and startup incubation
The goal is to build a future-ready digital workforce, enable freelancing, and promote entrepreneurial ecosystems through dedicated startup hubs and innovation centers in Islamabad.
Building a Fully Integrated Smart City Ecosystem
The long-term vision for Islamabad’s transformation includes:
- Smart Traffic Systems using AI and IoT-based traffic signal automation
- GIS mapping and real-time data dashboards for city administrators
- Energy-efficient smart grids and smart metering
- Digital citizen portals for access to government services like CNIC renewal, property records, and utility bill payments
These systems will be integrated through a Centralized Smart City Control Center, which will collect and analyze data for improved decision-making, resource optimization, and emergency response coordination.
A Connected, Inclusive Digital Pakistan
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja closed the announcement by reaffirming the government’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and unlock economic opportunities through innovation:
“Digital Pakistan is no longer a dream—it’s in motion. We are building a country where every citizen—whether in a city or a village—can benefit from the power of technology.”
With its focus on equity, connectivity, and innovation, Islamabad’s Smart City blueprint is poised to become a model for digital transformation across South Asia, setting the stage for similar initiatives in other major cities across Pakistan.