Islamabad is on track to become Pakistan’s first smart city as the federal government launches an ambitious fiberization and tech education initiative. Led by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication under Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the project is designed to integrate cutting-edge technology into every essential public service—from schools and hospitals to law enforcement and transportation.
This comprehensive digital transformation signals a new era for Islamabad, promising high-speed connectivity, smarter governance, and a digitally skilled future workforce.
A major component of the Islamabad Smart City plan involves fiberizing key institutions across the capital. The Ministry of IT has already approved significant funding to ensure that every public school, Basic Health Unit (BHU), and healthcare facility is connected with high-speed fiber internet.
Over the next six to eight months, essential services including hospitals, educational institutions, and police stations will gain full digital connectivity. Additionally, metro bus stations and select public spaces will offer free public Wi-Fi via public-private partnerships, ensuring citizens stay connected on the go.
This connectivity lays the foundation for more advanced digital services and smart solutions in public administration.
A standout feature of Islamabad’s smart city transformation is the integration of EdTech solutions and artificial intelligence into the national education system. According to Minister Shaza Fatima, digital learning will be introduced from kindergarten to grade six, setting a new standard for early-age tech exposure.
These initiatives aim to close the digital divide and ensure that every child, regardless of socio-economic background, gains access to modern educational tools. This includes remote learning capabilities for students in underserved areas, powered by the fiberized infrastructure.
Furthermore, a dedicated committee is already working on incorporating IT education into the national curriculum, fostering a culture of innovation and tech literacy from the ground up.
The healthcare system is also undergoing a tech upgrade under the Islamabad Smart City project. The government is rolling out the “One Patient, One ID” initiative, which will digitize health records and enable seamless access to medical history across all hospitals.
Through high-speed internet connectivity at every BHU, the healthcare sector is being equipped for telemedicine and remote consultations, especially beneficial for rural and under-resourced areas. This step ensures faster, more efficient healthcare delivery and minimizes unnecessary travel for patients.
One of the most forward-looking goals of the project is to prepare Pakistan’s youth for the digital economy. The Ministry of IT aims to train 500,000 young professionals in advanced IT skills. This includes:
These partnerships with global tech leaders will ensure Pakistani youth are not just employable, but competitive on a global scale. The training programs will cover essential skills in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development—paving the way for a tech-savvy generation.
Islamabad’s smart city transformation is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a holistic vision for a connected, educated, and digitally empowered society. With widespread fiberization, innovative educational reforms, smart healthcare initiatives, and future-ready IT training, the capital is setting a benchmark for other cities in Pakistan.
This initiative marks the beginning of a new digital era—where technology enhances quality of life, boosts economic potential, and places Pakistan on the global tech map.