Punjab expands free Wi-Fi service with upgraded speeds
The Chief Minister's Free Wi-Fi service has been extended to more areas across Punjab, including Lahore. The number of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Lahore has increased from 200 to 230, and the service has now been upgraded to the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology.
According to a spokesperson, the switch to Wi-Fi 6 technology will provide users with faster and more stable internet service. The Safe Cities Authority is offering free Wi-Fi at 300 locations across 11 districts in Punjab.
This service is currently active in Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Attock, with residents in Sahiwal, Okara, and Murree also benefiting from the service at key locations. The spokesperson for Safe Cities confirmed that the free Wi-Fi service will soon be expanded throughout the entire province.
To date, over 17.7 million users have accessed the service, with a total of 438 terabytes of data used. Residents have expressed satisfaction, noting that the service has made their daily activities easier.
The spokesperson also clarified that the free Wi-Fi service is intended for emergency use and will not be available for video streaming or entertainment purposes. Following the orders of the Chief Minister of Punjab, efforts are ongoing to transform the province into a digital hub.
Earlier, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz revealed ambitious plans to upgrade the province's government schools with smart classrooms and digital labs, marking a step towards integrating modern technology into traditional education.
Speaking on Digital Learning Day, Chief Minister Maryam emphasised that in today's world, technological advancement and education go hand in hand.
"Development is now linked to technology, and the youth of Punjab must be equipped with the skills required to meet the demands of the modern world,' she said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government's efforts to create opportunities for students to align with international market demands, specifically through the introduction of advanced IT training programmes.
As part of these efforts, Punjab is providing students with access to international-standard IT courses, including artificial intelligence (AI), software development, and freelancing.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
04-08-2025
- Business Recorder
CBD Punjab receives STZA licence; 55pc Celestia IT & Office Tower completed
LAHORE: Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) has marked significant progress in its flagship project, CBD NSIT City, as it officially received the Special Technology Zone Development Licence from the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), positioning it as a cornerstone of Punjab's future digital economy. One of the major highlights of this progress includes the 55 percent completion of construction on the Celestia IT & Office Tower, which is designed to become a modern hub for tech companies, startups and innovation-driven enterprises. The elevation design of the Celestia IT & Office Tower has also been unveiled by CBD Punjab, showcasing a blend of architectural elegance and cutting-edge design, said a spokesman of the authority here on Sunday. Moreover, 25 percent of the infrastructure development across CBD NSIT City has been completed. The residential zone plots within the project have seen remarkable demand, with all four plots successfully auctioned. A strategic agreement has been finalized for establishing a state-of-the-art Data Center in the Astra Block, further advancing the project's technological backbone. The Silicon Block within NSIT City has also been approved by STZA, with 90 percent of its plots already sold a strong indicator of investor confidence in the project. Looking ahead, the Punjab Film City, Pakistan's first-ever dedicated film production zone is set to be launched within NSIT City following final government approvals, adding a creative and entertainment dimension to the development. CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, while expressing his views, stated: NSIT City is not just a real estate development, but the foundation of Pakistan's digital future. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, Punjab is on course to become a global technology hub. NSIT City will drive innovation in the IT sector, attract foreign investment, and foster knowledge-based economic growth.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Country's first electric tram arrives
Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre. The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and is designed to operate alongside regular traffic without requiring significant infrastructure changes. "This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two Chinese urban centres, and soon to begin operations in Budapest," said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. "We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest." The minister added that the tram would operate along the Canal Road corridor, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura, during the trial phase. Authorities will monitor the tram's interaction with existing traffic and assess whether a dedicated lane is necessary. However, constructing such a lane could involve cutting trees and road expansion — options the government aims to avoid to keep project costs under control. A test run is also proposed for Main Boulevard, Gulberg. If successful, the tram system may be expanded to other cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, during the current fiscal year. The initiative is part of Punjab's five-year transport modernisation strategy approved earlier this year. At a February meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, officials outlined plans for an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a cutting-edge, trackless electric bus network modelled after systems already operational in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. The ART vehicles will feature three coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers, with onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and rapid charging capabilities at solar-powered smart stations. The system is designed to reduce the need for specialised tracks, making it cost-efficient and space-saving. "The goal is to introduce modern public transportation not just in major urban centres, but also in smaller cities across Punjab," said the CM. "This initiative will improve quality of life and reduce disparities across the province." The ART system is expected to be rolled out in 10 cities over three phases, beginning with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
Express Tribune
22-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Lahore set to launch Pakistan's first electric tram
Listen to article Lahore is set to see electric trams on its roads, marking a new milestone following the Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Speedo feeder buses, and Electro Green buses. The first electric tram, imported from China, has arrived in the city and is currently being assembled at the Ali Town Depot. Officials said the tram, designed to operate without a conventional rail track, will initially run as a pilot project along the Canal Road. A demonstration for senior government officials and transport specialists is expected in the first or second week of August at the Lahore Expo Centre. The state-of-the-art tram consists of three interconnected compartments and can carry more than 200 passengers. Fully electric, it can travel up to 27 kilometres on a 10-minute charge. Although capable of autonomous operation through a digital navigation system, it will be manually operated by drivers in Pakistan due to safety considerations. The vehicle is equipped with steering controls and is designed to operate alongside regular traffic without requiring significant infrastructure changes. 'This is the latest technology, recently introduced in cities like Abu Dhabi and two Chinese urban centres, and soon to begin operations in Budapest,' said Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan. 'We are optimistic that Lahore and Gujranwala will see this service before Budapest.' Also Read: Eight SBCA officers get bail in building collapse case The minister added that the tram would operate along the Canal Road corridor, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura, during the trial phase. Authorities will monitor the tram's interaction with existing traffic and assess whether a dedicated lane is necessary. However, constructing such a lane could involve cutting trees and road expansion — options the government aims to avoid to keep project costs under control. A test run is also proposed for Main Boulevard, Gulberg. If successful, the tram system may be expanded to other cities, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala, during the current fiscal year. The initiative is part of Punjab's five-year transport modernisation strategy approved earlier this year. At a February meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, officials outlined plans for an Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, a cutting-edge, trackless electric bus network modelled after systems already operational in Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Qatar. Read More: Commercial waste pollutes water bodies in K-P The ART vehicles will feature three coaches, accommodating up to 300 passengers, with onboard Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, and rapid charging capabilities at solar-powered smart stations. The system is designed to reduce the need for specialised tracks, making it cost-efficient and space-saving. 'The goal is to introduce modern public transportation not just in major urban centres, but also in smaller cities across Punjab,' said the CM. 'This initiative will improve quality of life and reduce disparities across the province.' The ART system is expected to be rolled out in 10 cities over three phases, beginning with Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
