ISLAMABAD

The federal government’s plan to transform Islamabad into a free Wi-Fi city has remained stalled for several months, with authorities failing to complete the project despite missing the official deadline by more than four months, according to official sources.

The project, being executed jointly by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), was originally scheduled for completion by December 30, 2025.

Under the initiative, authorities planned to establish 30 Wi-Fi hotspots across key public locations in the capital, including major markets, public parks, Metro Bus stations and other high-footfall areas to provide citizens with free internet access.

Sources said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of Information Technology to expedite completion of the long-delayed project and ensure uninterrupted free internet facilities at all major public places in Islamabad.

The prime minister also instructed officials to accelerate implementation of the government’s “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision by improving and simplifying public access to internet services, sources added.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has assured the premier that the project will be completed at the earliest, according to officials familiar with the development.

The Ministry of IT has meanwhile initiated fresh measures aimed at speeding up implementation and resolving pending operational issues delaying the rollout.

Officials said the long-awaited free Wi-Fi project is now expected to be inaugurated after Eid, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif likely to personally inaugurate the service.

The initiative is part of broader government efforts to expand digital connectivity, improve public access to online services and support Pakistan’s transition towards a digitally connected economy.