IT Minister Unveils Smart City Plan for Islamabad, Stays Silent on PTCL-Telenor Merger

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Islamabad will be transformed into a model digitally smart city within six to eight months. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly directed officials to accelerate this digital transformation. All schools, hospitals, and police stations in Islamabad will be connected to high-speed internet. The government has already finalized fibre connectivity for all public schools, Basic Health Units (BHUs), and healthcare facilities. When asked about the PTCL-Telenor merger deal currently under review by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), the minister declined to comment, stating the matter was being handled separately. While these companies have refused to provide free public WiFi throughout Islamabad, the minister confirmed that free access will be available in select public locations. The ministry is also introducing AI education from kindergarten to Grade 6, with plans to extend the model to Gilgit-Baltistan and other remote regions. Additionally, efforts are underway to enable BHUs to provide online medical consultations with specialists.