ISLAMABAD (Adnan Hameed): In a landmark step towards bridging Pakistan’s rural-urban digital divide, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MOITT), in partnership with Huawei Technologies and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), inaugurated the third Smart Village in Swabi today. This initiative is part of the broader Smart Village Pakistan program, which aims to digitally empower remote communities across the nation.
Following the successful launch of smart villages in Gokina and Sambrial, the Swabi Smart Village is designed to serve as a model hub of digital inclusion, especially focusing on women and farmers. It offers comprehensive training in digital skills, online marketing, e-commerce, financial inclusion, and smart agriculture to foster self-reliance and socio-economic growth in rural areas.
Speaking at the inauguration, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja hailed the initiative as a pivotal milestone in achieving a digitally inclusive Pakistan. “The Swabi Smart Village Project underscores our commitment to ensuring no community is left behind in the digital age. It will deliver vital services like education, healthcare, and technical training right to people’s doorsteps,” she said. The minister emphasized the government’s broader vision, which includes the rollout of 5G networks, technology parks, and the provision of digital identities for every citizen, ensuring widespread access to modern services.
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, lauded the project, calling it a “shining example of how digital innovation can transform lives.” He reaffirmed ITU’s continued support for Pakistan’s mission to connect the unconnected and promote sustainable development.
Ahmed Bilal Masood, Deputy CEO of Huawei Pakistan, expressed pride in contributing to the project. “The Swabi Smart Village is a testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering communities through innovation,” he said.
Key implementation partners such as TeleTaleem, Sehat Kahani, and Baidarie played a critical role in the project’s rollout. TeleTaleem contributed digital learning tools, Sehat Kahani brought telemedicine services to remote areas, and Baidarie managed the Smart Village center to ensure community needs remained central to the initiative.
The Smart Village Pakistan project is fast emerging as a national model for rural digital transformation, offering a sustainable and scalable framework for other regions. By integrating technology with essential services and fostering collaboration across sectors, the initiative aims to reshape the future of rural Pakistan, making progress more inclusive and far-reaching. With Swabi now added to the growing network of smart villages, Pakistan moves a step closer to realizing a future where digital access is universal, opportunities are equal, and innovation is rooted in every community.