The Punjab government has launched free Wi-Fi service at more than 200 locations across Lahore, as part of the Safe City project. This initiative provides internet access to citizens through 270 Wi-Fi hotspots in 11 districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Attock, Sahiwal, Okara, and Murree.
According to a spokesperson for the Safe Cities initiative, the free Wi-Fi service has already been accessed by over 13 million users, consuming more than 265 terabytes of data. The spokesperson emphasized that the initiative, aimed at transforming Punjab into a “digital province” under the directives of the Chief Minister, is not intended for video streaming or entertainment, but rather to facilitate daily activities and educational needs.
The project, which has been overseen by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), aims to revitalize and expand Wi-Fi connectivity in key public spaces such as bus stops, colleges, universities, hospitals, and railway stations. Additional hotspots are expected to be added in the future.
This latest initiative recalls a similar project launched by the previous PML-N government in 2013, which equipped various cities, including Lahore, with free Wi-Fi. However, the service was discontinued during the PTI government’s tenure. The PTI had delegated the responsibility of providing free Wi-Fi to PTCL, but now, under the PML-N’s leadership, the PITB is once again in charge of ensuring the public benefits from the service.
Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, expressed satisfaction with the initial rollout of the service and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure. The government has prioritized deploying free Wi-Fi at key locations such as educational institutions, airports, and transportation hubs like bus stands and railway stations. This expansion is expected to benefit over 500 locations in Lahore alone.
This effort reflects the government’s ongoing dedication to providing essential services to the public and enhancing the digital landscape of Punjab, which will benefit both residents and visitors alike.
