The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has officially launched its ‘Open Wi-Fi’ initiative, under which free Wi-Fi services will be introduced at public universities, colleges and other government facilities across the province.
According to officials, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi inaugurated the project, saying the first phase will provide free public Wi-Fi at key government locations in Peshawar.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister said the service would be extended in phases to government hospitals, public transport hubs, all public universities and colleges in the provincial capital.
He added that the project would later be expanded to Abbottabad, Mardan, Swat and Kohat as part of the government’s wider digital transformation agenda.
Afridi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had already achieved 70 to 80 per cent progress towards digital governance, adding that the provincial government was gradually making all public services paperless.
He said creating employment and economic opportunities for young people was the state’s responsibility, noting that the growing interest in e-commerce among the youth was an encouraging development.
The chief minister also criticised the slowing of internet services to curb social media use, describing the practice as “regrettable” because it adversely affects young people and those who run online businesses.
He further alleged that the federal government had failed to take effective measures for young people, adding that many areas in the merged districts lack not only internet access but even basic mobile phone coverage.
Afridi said his government was committed to serving the public and expressed hope that the 2026–27 financial year would bring peace, development and prosperity to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
