PESHAWAR (Web Desk) – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a province-wide free public Wi-Fi initiative aimed at improving internet accessibility, strengthening digital governance and creating new educational and economic opportunities for citizens.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi formally inaugurated the KP Open Wi-Fi project in Peshawar, describing it as a major step toward expanding digital connectivity and modernising public services across the province.
Under the first phase of the programme, free wireless internet services have been introduced at selected government hospitals and public transport facilities in the provincial capital. The initiative is intended to provide residents, students, patients and commuters with reliable internet access at key public locations.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the chief minister announced that all public universities and government colleges across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would also receive free Wi-Fi services under the programme.
He said expanding digital connectivity in educational institutions would improve learning opportunities, support research activities and help students gain easier access to online educational resources.
According to the provincial government, the project will initially focus on Peshawar before gradually expanding to all divisional headquarters, including Abbottabad, Mardan, Swat, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
Officials said the expansion plan aims to ensure that residents throughout the province benefit from improved digital infrastructure and greater internet accessibility.
The chief minister stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already made significant progress in implementing digital governance, estimating that nearly 70 to 80 percent of administrative reforms have been completed.
He said the provincial administration is working to transform government departments into a paperless system through greater use of digital technologies and online public services.
Officials believe digitising government operations will improve transparency, reduce paperwork, accelerate service delivery and increase efficiency across various departments.
The government also highlighted the importance of internet access in supporting economic development.
Afridi said digital connectivity is creating new employment opportunities, particularly for young entrepreneurs working in freelancing, information technology and online businesses.
He noted that the rapid growth of e-commerce has opened fresh avenues for income generation, making internet accessibility increasingly important for Pakistan’s expanding digital economy.
The chief minister said providing economic opportunities for young people remains one of the government’s primary responsibilities and that investments in digital infrastructure are essential for future growth.
He also expressed concern over internet disruptions and slow connectivity experienced in different parts of the country, describing such interruptions as harmful to education, business and employment.
According to Afridi, consistent internet services are necessary for students pursuing online education, professionals working remotely and entrepreneurs managing digital businesses.
He stressed that uninterrupted connectivity has become a basic requirement in today’s technology-driven economy.
The chief minister also highlighted challenges faced by residents in newly merged districts, where many communities continue to experience inadequate communication infrastructure.
He said several remote areas still lack reliable mobile phone coverage and internet services, limiting educational, healthcare and business opportunities for local residents.
The provincial government plans to continue expanding digital infrastructure to underserved regions as part of its broader development strategy.
Officials said improved internet connectivity would help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities while supporting inclusive economic growth.
The KP Open Wi-Fi programme forms part of the government’s wider digital transformation agenda, which seeks to integrate technology into public administration, education and service delivery.
Technology experts have welcomed the initiative, saying wider internet availability can encourage innovation, improve digital literacy and strengthen access to online government services.
Education specialists also believe free internet access at universities and colleges will enhance academic performance by enabling students to access research databases, virtual classrooms and digital learning platforms.
Provincial officials expressed confidence that expanding digital infrastructure will contribute to improved governance, stronger public services and sustainable economic development.
They said the government remains committed to investing in technology-driven initiatives that improve citizens’ quality of life while preparing the province for future digital challenges and opportunities.
Authorities expect additional phases of the project to be announced as infrastructure development continues across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the current fiscal year.
