In a significant step toward digital equity, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), in partnership with Huawei Technologies and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has inaugurated Pakistan’s third Smart Village in Swabi.
The project is part of the larger Smart Village Pakistan initiative, aimed at digitally transforming the country’s rural and remote communities.
Following successful pilots in Gokina and Sambrial, the Swabi Smart Village seeks to empower local populations through access to digital education, telehealth, e-commerce, and financial inclusion tools—particularly targeting women and farmers.
Empowering rural communities with Digital Skills
The Swabi Smart Village is designed to serve as a model of innovation and inclusivity, equipping citizens with a range of digital competencies. Training programs will include basic digital literacy, online marketing, e-commerce platforms, digital agriculture, and financial technology solutions.
Speaking at the launch, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja expressed strong support for the initiative, calling it a landmark in the government’s digital transformation strategy.
“The Swabi Smart Village Project represents a major milestone in our journey towards achieving a digitally inclusive Pakistan. This initiative underscores our commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no community is left behind,” she stated.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth and Innovation
Minister Khawaja emphasized that the Smart Village initiative is part of a broader governmental vision to deploy 5G technology, establish technology parks, and expand digital identity access for all citizens. She highlighted the vital role of digital tools in delivering essential services like education and healthcare, especially to underserved communities.
“The Swabi Smart Village will serve as a model for how digital tools can be used to deliver essential services and create economic opportunities in rural areas,” she said.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Minister dedicated the Swabi Smart Village to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, a local hero and recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider for his bravery in the Kargil War. “His sacrifice symbolizes the resilience of this community, and it is only fitting that this digital initiative be launched in his name,” she added.
Huawei and ITU partner with Pakistan to drive digital inclusion
Representatives from the ITU and Huawei echoed the government’s commitment to digital inclusion. Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, commended Pakistan’s leadership in leveraging innovation for social impact.
“The launch of the Swabi Smart Village is a shining example of how digital innovation can transform lives and communities. We are proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our mission to connect the unconnected and ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to the opportunities that digital technologies provide,” Dr. Zavazava said.
Ahmed Bilal Masood, Deputy CEO of Huawei Pakistan, reiterated the private sector’s commitment:
“Huawei is proud to be a part of this transformative initiative. Our mission has always been to leverage technology to create opportunities and improve lives. The Swabi Smart Village Project is a testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering communities.”
Key implementation partners
The project’s success also hinges on its collaboration with local implementation partners:
- TeleTaleem is providing digital education platforms, offering flexible and scalable learning tools to rural populations.
- Sehat Kahani is delivering telehealth services, giving communities access to medical professionals through virtual consultations.
- Baidarie, a community engagement organization, is managing the Swabi Smart Village center to ensure local ownership and cultural alignment.
These partners have played a vital role in shaping the Smart Village into a sustainable and community-focused initiative, ensuring long-term impact.
The Smart Village Pakistan initiative not only strengthens public-private partnerships but also offers a replicable model for digital development across the nation. As Pakistan accelerates toward a digitally empowered society, projects like the one in Swabi illuminate the path forward.