Maryam Nawaz Free Wi Fi Scheme 2025

In a groundbreaking step toward a digitally empowered Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched the Free Wi-Fi Scheme 2025 across 22 major cities in the province.

Designed to bridge the digital divide, promote e-learning, support startups, and enhance public convenience, this initiative is part of her broader vision for a “Smart Punjab.”

As the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz’s emphasis on technology, transparency, and inclusion is evident through this forward-thinking digital policy. This article offers a detailed look into the objectives, implementation strategy, coverage areas, benefits, and future potential of the Free Wi-Fi scheme.

Background of the Scheme

The idea of free internet for public spaces has long been discussed in policy circles, but the Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab Government is the first to implement it at such a broad scale. With the rapid expansion of mobile usage, online education, and freelance work, access to high-speed internet has become a necessity rather than a luxury.

This scheme revives and expands upon earlier digital inclusion plans by providing free, secure, and fast Wi-Fi in educational institutions, hospitals, metro stations, markets, and public squares.

Key Features of the Free Wi-Fi Scheme

Feature	Details
Launch Date	August 2025
Phase 1 Coverage	22 cities across Punjab
Wi-Fi Access Type	Free, public login with CNIC verification
Speed	Up to 10 Mbps per user
Usage Limit	Daily limit of 1–2 hours per user (to prevent misuse)
Network Security	Encrypted browsing, content filtering for public safety
Maintenance & Support	24/7 technical support, complaint portal
Managing Agency	Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB)

Cities Covered Under Phase 1 (2025)

The first phase includes 22 high-density cities where the scheme is most needed due to population, tourism, education hubs, and commercial activity:

Lahore
Rawalpindi
Multan
Faisalabad
Gujranwala
Bahawalpur
Sialkot
Sargodha
Sheikhupura
Okara
Jhelum
Kasur
Rahim Yar Khan
Dera Ghazi Khan
Murree
Chakwal
Vehari
Mianwali
Toba Tek Singh
Khanewal
Narowal
Attock

Where Can You Access Free Wi-Fi?

The scheme ensures accessibility in public and high-footfall areas, including:

Location Type	Examples
Educational Institutes	Colleges, Universities, Technical Training Centers
Healthcare Facilities	DHQ Hospitals, THQs, Medical Colleges
Public Transport Areas	Metro Bus Stations, Bus Terminals, Railway Stations
Public Squares & Parks	Liberty Chowk, Jinnah Park, Clock Towers
Government Offices	Citizen Facilitation Centers, NADRA offices
Business & Freelancing Zones	Co-working hubs, libraries, business incubation centers

How to Use the Free Wi-Fi?

✅ Step-by-Step Login Process

Search for Network
- Look for “Punjab Free Wi-Fi” in your available networks.
Connect & Redirect
- Your browser will redirect you to the Punjab Wi-Fi Login Portal.
Enter CNIC & Phone Number
- Provide a valid CNIC and mobile number for authentication.
Receive OTP
- Enter the OTP received on your number to log in.
Browse Freely
- Access allowed websites for education, freelancing, health, and government services.

Goals of the Scheme

Objective	Impact
Digital Inclusion	Bridging the urban-rural digital divide
Education Support	Enabling students to access online learning and research
Freelancer Empowerment	Supporting Pakistan’s growing freelance economy
Smart Governance	Promoting e-citizen portals, online complaints, and service apps
Tourism Boost	Providing digital access to tourists in public areas
Social Equality	Ensuring internet access for women and underserved groups

Benefits of the Free Wi-Fi Scheme

Students can attend online lectures, submit assignments, and download study materials.
Job seekers can apply online for jobs and check portals like PPSC, FPSC, and NTS.
Freelancers and remote workers can deliver global services without relying on paid networks.
Citizens can access e-governance apps like ePay Punjab, Domicile Issuance, and Online FIR Filing.
Entrepreneurs can connect with markets and payment gateways via the internet.

Security and Fair Usage Policy

To ensure safety and optimal use:

Time limits are enforced per user to prevent abuse.
Web filtering blocks harmful or inappropriate content.
Network encryption secures user browsing data.
Usage logs are monitored for illegal activity (no data misuse for marketing).

Monitoring & Complaints

The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will monitor usage in real-time and provide:

User dashboard (for session tracking and performance)
Public complaint portal (report speed, signal issues)
Helpline for support and network inquiries

📞 Support Line: 0800-09100
🌐 Complaint Portal: www.punjab.gov.pk/complaints

Vision for Expansion

Maryam Nawaz has announced that this is just Phase 1 of the digital expansion plan. Future phases will focus on:

Rural Wi-Fi zones in smaller towns and tehsils
Free internet in women-only centers and job hubs
Digital literacy workshops linked with Wi-Fi centers
Public-private partnerships for sustainable funding

Public Reactions

So far, the scheme has received positive responses from:

Students and teachers, who view it as a step toward inclusive education
Freelancers, especially in Lahore and Multan, who now have backup internet access
Healthcare workers, who can now quickly access patient data and digital forms
Women entrepreneurs, who can join e-commerce platforms without home connectivity

Conclusion

The Maryam Nawaz Free Wi-Fi Scheme 2025 is more than a technology initiative—it’s a social empowerment tool for millions across Punjab. By offering free digital access in 22 cities, the Punjab government is building the foundation for a knowledge-based economy, fostering equality, and supporting the youth’s access to education and work.

If implemented and maintained effectively, this scheme could become a model for digital governance and social inclusion across South Asia.