Islamabad: Islamabad is set to become Pakistan’s first smart city as the federal government accelerates plans to integrate technology into urban management, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday.
During a visit to the Safe City Headquarters, accompanied by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Naqvi directed officials to fast-track the smart city project and initiate key reforms in the existing Safe City system. He said the initiative aims to modernise city governance through technology and establish a model that can be replicated across other major cities in the country.
Under the plan, essential public services, including Rescue 1122, traffic management and security operations, will be brought onto a centralised digital platform. The integration is expected to improve coordination among departments, enhance response times and increase overall efficiency in managing urban challenges.
Naqvi reviewed live operations at the control room and examined measures being implemented to improve public safety and protect property. He instructed relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive roadmap for transforming the federal capital into a fully functional smart city.
Separately, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration confirmed that from January 1, 2026, vehicles without M-Tags will not be allowed to enter the city. The move marks the enforcement phase of Islamabad’s electronic vehicle management system, which is designed to regulate traffic flow and improve compliance.
Officials said electronic tag readers have been installed at major entry points and selected checkpoints. Vehicles without M-Tags will be automatically identified as they pass through monitored areas, reducing the need for manual checks and minimising congestion.
The administration added that the technology-driven system will strengthen digital record-keeping, streamline traffic management and limit discretionary vehicle inspections. Residents have been urged to obtain M-Tags ahead of the deadline to avoid inconvenience.
The smart city initiative reflects the government’s broader push to integrate modern technology into urban governance, with Islamabad positioned to lead the way as a national benchmark for digitally managed cities.
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