Islamabad’s ICT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced that the government will not offer free Wi‑Fi in public spaces. Instead, secure paid public Wi‑Fi services will be introduced at key locations such as commercial zones, tourist sites, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.

The minister emphasized that paid services will ensure higher bandwidth, enhanced security, and system sustainability—benefits often absent in free offerings. The selected hotspots will include robust authentication systems and monitored access to provide safe and reliable internet to users.

This initiative aims to balance public access with quality and operational viability. Shaza stated that maintaining and upgrading free Wi‑Fi would be cost-prohibitive and vulnerable to abuse. By opting for a paid model, Islamabad will promote a sustainable digital infrastructure that supports urban development and economic activity.

Plans are underway to finalize technical specifications, partner with licensed internet service providers, and launch pilot programs this year, with a full rollout expected in major sectors by early 2026.