Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the “KP Open Wifi” initiative on Friday, July 11, 2026, to provide free internet access at public facilities. The community-driven project aims to expand digital governance and modern service access, starting with government hospitals and transport hubs in Peshawar.
Deployment Costs and Initial Infrastructure
Officials stated the project’s PC-I cost is Rs320 million, with Rs90 million already spent on initial deployment. The first phase covers 19 public sites across Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Dera Ismail Khan, utilizing 119 access points.
These sites include public parks, transport terminals, and hospitals. According to the Chief Minister’s office, the government will eventually extend these services to all divisional headquarters, including Bannu, Kohat, Swat, Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan, and Abbottabad.
Digital Access for Education and Youth
Mr. Afridi announced that free Wi-Fi will be installed across all public colleges and universities. He stated this infrastructure is necessary for students to pursue research, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister linked this digital push to broader economic struggles, noting that citizens face inflation and unemployment. He added that prolonged border closures with Afghanistan have historically damaged local livelihoods, making efficient use of public resources imperative.
Concerns Over Federal Internet Disruptions
Mr. Afridi criticized the practice of slowing or suspending internet services to restrict social media access. He claimed these disruptions are frequently used to counter the PTI, which he says disproportionately affects freelancers, entrepreneurs, and students.
According to the Chief Minister, the federal government has failed to create effective economic opportunities for youth. He argued that the federal government should, at minimum, stop depriving young people of the ability to earn livelihoods via digital platforms, calling unrestricted access “indispensable” for Pakistan’s digital economy.
Future Expansion of Digital Reforms
The provincial government may next scale the program to all identified divisional headquarters to standardize connectivity across the region. A possible next step involves the full transition of public service delivery to a paperless system, continuing the current reform agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total budget for the KP Open Wifi project?
The cost of the initiative’s PC-I stands at Rs320 million, with Rs90 million already utilized for deployment.
Which cities will receive free Wi-Fi in the later phases?
The initiative will be extended to divisional headquarters including Abbottabad, Dera Ismail Khan, Mardan, Swat, Kohat, and Bannu.
Why did the Chief Minister mention Afghanistan in his announcement?
Mr. Afridi noted that cross-border trade with Afghanistan was historically a major source of livelihood and that prolonged border closures have significantly impacted economic activity.
Do you think free public Wi-Fi will significantly impact the employment rates of freelancers in your region?
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