Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced plans to provide free Wi-Fi services across Islamabad, with 30 locations identified in the first phase.
The initiative, launched in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision and the directions of Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, was discussed in a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Monday. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) Managing Director Major General (r) Ali Farhan, CDA Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Planning Dr. Khalid Hafiz, and Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza.
According to details, the free Wi-Fi service will be available in key public spaces such as main commercial centres (Marakiz), Metro and Electric Feeder Bus stations, and major parks, ensuring maximum accessibility for citizens. CDA’s technical team will provide support to NTC, which will be responsible for operating and maintaining the system.
The CDA chairman directed that an operational and marketing model be developed to make the project financially self-sustainable, with revenue generated used for system upkeep and upgrades. Officials highlighted that the initiative would eventually transform Islamabad into a “free Wi-Fi city.”
Separately, the meeting also reviewed other civic initiatives, including rainwater harvesting, for which feasibility studies have been completed. Plans were discussed to raise public awareness about groundwater recharge, while the phase-wise removal of paper mulberry trees was also approved to address allergy-related health concerns. The CDA confirmed that a tree plantation campaign will follow, with third-party validation to ensure proper execution.
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