Swabi Becomes Latest Addition to Smart Village Pakistan Initiative

ISLAMABAD: Building on the successful launches in Gokina and Sambrial, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MOITT), in collaboration with Huawei Technologies and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has officially inaugurated the third Smart Village in Swabi. The Smart Village Pakistan initiative is a national effort aimed at digitally transforming rural and remote communities across the country.

The project is part of a strategic alliance between MOITT, ITU, and Huawei, working under the umbrella of Smart Village Pakistan. It aims to bridge the rural-urban digital divide by offering comprehensive digital training programs, especially for women and farmers. The Swabi Smart Village focuses on building capacity in digital skills, e-commerce, online marketing, digital agriculture, and financial inclusion.

Speaking at the event, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized the importance of this digital transformation. “The Swabi Smart Village Project marks a major milestone in our journey toward a digitally inclusive Pakistan. We are committed to ensuring that no community is left behind,” she said.

She reiterated the government’s push to utilize emerging technologies—including 5G and tech parks—to stimulate innovation and national growth. The minister also underlined that digital inclusion is essential for modern governance, particularly in extending education and healthcare services to underserved regions.

“The Swabi Smart Village will serve as a model of progress,” she said. “We aim to provide rural citizens, especially women, with access to digital tools, education, telehealth, and technical training. Everyone in Pakistan deserves a digital identity and the opportunity to benefit from digital advancements.”

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, praised the initiative, stating, “The launch of the Swabi Smart Village is a shining example of how digital innovation can transform lives. ITU is proud to support this effort, which aligns with our global mission to connect the unconnected.”

Ahmed Bilal Masood, Deputy CEO of Huawei Pakistan, echoed this sentiment. “Huawei is proud to be part of this transformative journey. The Smart Village Pakistan initiative demonstrates how public-private partnerships can empower communities and drive sustainable development.”

The project’s implementation partners—TeleTaleem, Sehat Kahani, and Baidarie—have played crucial roles in the success of the initiative. TeleTaleem provided digital education platforms, Sehat Kahani delivered telehealth services to remote areas, and Baidarie managed the Smart Village center, ensuring that the initiative remained community-centric.