In a landmark step towards digital empowerment, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz has relaunched and significantly expanded the Free Wi-Fi Program across Punjab, covering 22 major cities in the province. This initiative aims to provide free internet access to the general public, especially students, freelancers, job seekers, and small business owners, by setting up hundreds of Wi-Fi hotspots at strategic public locations.
Launched under the Maryam Nawaz Digital Punjab Vision, this program is not only a revival of the older Free Wi-Fi plan initiated in the previous government, but it also includes improved infrastructure, broader reach, and modernized tech features to support high-traffic internet needs in 2025.
In this article, we cover the full list of cities included, hotspot locations, benefits, usage guidelines, and how this project is helping bridge the digital divide in Pakistan.
Background of the Free Wi-Fi Project in Punjab
The Free Wi-Fi Punjab Project was originally introduced during the tenure of former CM Shehbaz Sharif. However, due to administrative and funding challenges, the project was suspended.
Now, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has revived the project as part of her “Smart Punjab” vision, promising digital accessibility for all. With internet now recognized as a basic need, this initiative is especially important for low-income communities.
Key highlights:
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Over 500 hotspots to be activated in the first phase.
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22 cities selected in the first rollout.
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Wi-Fi zones to be installed in colleges, universities, hospitals, bus stops, parks, railway stations, and public libraries.
Latest Update: Cities Covered Under the Free Wi-Fi Program
As of July 2025, the Punjab Free Wi-Fi Expansion covers the following 22 cities. More districts may be added in later phases depending on the program’s success and demand.
✅ Full List of Cities with Free Wi-Fi Access
| Sr. No. | City Name | Hotspot Coverage Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lahore | Metro Stations, Colleges, Parks, Hospitals |
| 2 | Rawalpindi | Bus Terminals, Saddar, Govt Institutions |
| 3 | Faisalabad | Clock Tower, University of Agriculture |
| 4 | Multan | Bahauddin Zakariya University, Cantt Areas |
| 5 | Gujranwala | City Center, Public Parks, Courts |
| 6 | Bahawalpur | Islamia University, Main Chowks |
| 7 | Sargodha | University Road, Main Bazaars |
| 8 | Sialkot | Airport Area, Public Markets |
| 9 | DG Khan | Govt Offices, Bus Stand |
| 10 | Muzaffargarh | District Complex, Education Institutes |
| 11 | Rahim Yar Khan | Railway Station, Commercial Areas |
| 12 | Sheikhupura | Tehsil Complex, Colleges |
| 13 | Okara | General Bus Stand, Schools |
| 14 | Kasur | Railway Station, Market Areas |
| 15 | Vehari | Education Zones, Hospitals |
| 16 | Mandi Bahauddin | Courts, Tehsil Area |
| 17 | Jhelum | Bus Stop, Education Areas |
| 18 | Attock | District Complex, Govt Buildings |
| 19 | Chakwal | Colleges, Tehsil Campus |
| 20 | Khanewal | University Road, Bazaars |
| 21 | Bhakkar | DPO Office Area, Bus Terminal |
| 22 | Layyah | Hospital Road, Govt Buildings |
Objectives of the Free Wi-Fi Initiative by Maryam Nawaz
The CM’s vision behind the free Wi-Fi program focuses on several critical areas of development:
1. Empowering Youth and Students
Many students rely on mobile data, which is often expensive and unstable. The free Wi-Fi zones allow students in colleges and universities to study online, attend virtual lectures, download course material, and access online libraries without cost.
2. Support for Freelancers and Digital Professionals
Freelancers in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad can use public Wi-Fi for client meetings, working on the go, and managing projects without interruption.
3. Promoting Digital Inclusion in Rural Areas
Cities such as Bhakkar, Layyah, and Mandi Bahauddin were strategically selected to reduce the digital gap between urban and rural communities.
4. Boost to Public Services
Wi-Fi-enabled government offices and hospitals will help citizens fill online forms, access services through e-Khidmat centers, and receive digital healthcare updates.
How to Use Free Wi-Fi in Punjab
Accessing free internet under the CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Free Wi-Fi scheme is simple and user-friendly.
Steps to Connect:
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Enable Wi-Fi on your mobile/laptop.
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Search for “Punjab Free Wi-Fi” network.
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Connect and follow the login instructions.
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Verify your identity using CNIC or phone number if prompted.
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Enjoy internet access for up to 60 minutes per session (subject to change).
Limitations & Fair Usage Policy
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Internet speed may be capped to ensure fair usage.
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Downloads of heavy files and video streaming may be limited.
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Adult content, illegal downloads, and harmful activity are restricted.
Security and Privacy Measures
Cybersecurity is a key concern in public networks. The Punjab government, under Maryam Nawaz, has partnered with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) to implement:
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End-to-end encryption for browsing.
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User authentication via CNIC or mobile OTP.
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Firewall protection to block malicious websites.
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Data privacy policies to protect user identity.
Program Expansion Plans
CM Maryam Nawaz has hinted at further expansion of this program in 2025 and beyond:
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Target: 36 districts of Punjab by mid-2026.
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Adding Smart Wi-Fi Buses in major cities.
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Collaboration with telcos for better infrastructure.
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Integration with Punjab Digital Libraries.
Who Can Benefit Most from This?
The initiative directly supports:
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University & college students
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Job seekers
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Freelancers
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Travelers at bus stops/railways
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Citizens needing digital services
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Vendors & small business owners
This makes the Free Wi-Fi Punjab initiative a social equalizer and an enabler of opportunity.
Public Response and Feedback
The pilot implementation in Lahore and Rawalpindi has received positive feedback, especially from students. However, citizens have also raised concerns about:
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Limited speed during peak hours
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Short access time windows
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Frequent login prompts
The government has promised to review these issues and enhance service quality based on user feedback.
FAQs about CM Punjab Free Wi-Fi Program
Q1: Is the Free Wi-Fi available 24/7 in Punjab?
Yes, but hours of availability may vary by location. In major public places like metro stations and hospitals, it is generally available 24/7.
Q2: Is any registration required to access the Wi-Fi?
Usually, a basic authentication through your mobile number or CNIC may be required during first-time login.
Q3: Is the Free Wi-Fi fast enough for Zoom classes or freelancing?
It is designed for standard internet tasks including browsing, video calling, and emailing. Heavy tasks may be restricted depending on network load.
Q4: Is this service available in villages or rural towns?
Currently, only 22 urban centers are covered. However, expansion to rural districts is under planning for late 2025 and 2026.
Q5: Can businesses benefit from this?
Yes. Small vendors, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs working in public areas can use the internet to process online payments, order inventory, or stay in touch with clients.
Conclusion
The CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Free Wi-Fi Expansion is a promising step towards building a digitally connected Punjab. By facilitating free internet in 22 cities, this initiative strengthens youth, supports the workforce, and improves public access to e-services.
With expansion plans underway, this could become one of the most impactful digital welfare initiatives of the Punjab government in 2025.
Stay connected—because digital inclusion is the future.