SWABI: After the successful implementation of smart villages in Gokina and Sambrial, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MOITT) in collaboration with Huawei Technologies and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has inaugurated the third Smart Village in Swabi. This initiative, known as Smart Village Pakistan, aims to digitally transform rural and remote communities nationwide.

The project is designed to bridge the rural-urban digital divide in Pakistan, focusing on comprehensive digital skills training for women and farmers. The training covers areas from basic digital skills to online marketing and digital financial inclusion.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized the significance of the initiative. She highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring no community is left behind in the digital age. The minister also discussed the importance of implementing 5G and technology parks to foster innovation and growth.

The Swabi Smart Village is expected to serve as a model for progress by offering educational, healthcare, and technical training services. The minister reiterated the importance of digital inclusion for national progress, ensuring that every citizen benefits from technological advancements.

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, praised the project as a prime example of how digital innovation can transform communities. Ahmed Bilal Masood, Deputy CEO of Huawei Pakistan, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating that the initiative aligns with Huawei’s mission to bridge the digital divide and empower communities.

Implementation partners, including TeleTaleem, Sehat Kahani, and Baidarie, have played crucial roles in the project’s success. TeleTaleem has enhanced digital education solutions, Sehat Kahani has delivered telehealth services, and Baidarie has managed community engagement efforts.

The Smart Village Pakistan initiative is a precedent-setting effort aiming to integrate innovative solutions, foster collaboration, and promote digital skills to create a lasting impact on rural communities across the country.