MOITT Inauguration of the SWABI Smart Village: A Collaborative Step Towards Digital Transformation
After the successful launches and implementation of two smart villages in Gokina and Sambrial, The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MOITT), in collaboration with Huawei Technologies and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), inaugurated the much-anticipated third Smart Village Swabi today. The Smart Village Pakistan initiative is designed to digitally transform rural and remote communities across Pakistan. Through a strong partnership of MOITT, ITU and BBC Huawei, Smart Village Pakistan is a unique initiative to address the rural-urban digital divide in Pakistan.
The smart Village
Swabi aims to serve as a model for the digital transformation of rural
communities, particularly of women and farmers through comprehensive digital
skills training programs covering a range of areas from basic digital skills to
online marketing, e-commerce, digital financial inclusion, and digital
agriculture etc.
On the
prestigious event, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication MS. Shaza
Fatima Khawaja, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The
Swabi Smart Village Project represents a major milestone in our journey towards
achieving a digitally inclusive Pakistan. This initiative underscores our
commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no community is
left behind.” She also acknowledged the valuable support of ITU and Huawei in
advancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and promoting innovation across key
sectors.
Federal Minister
mentioned the importance of implementing the 5G and technology parks to drive
innovation and growth within the country. She further stated that technology is
now being utilized in every sector, reflecting its growing importance in modern
governance and development. She emphasized that the government's key priority
is to extend education and healthcare services to remote and underserved areas,
ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the digital age.
She further
explained that the Swabi Smart Village will serve as a model for progress by
offering education, healthcare, and technical training. Emphasizing the need
for digital transformation, she underscored the importance of every Pakistani
having a digital identity. Hence, reiterating that gigital inclusion is vital
for national progress, ensuring that every citizen can benefit from
technological advancements.
Dr. Cosmas
Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau said,“The launch
of the Swabi Smart Village is a shining example of how digital innovation can
transform lives and communities, we are proud to support this initiative, which
aligns with our mission to connect the unconnected and ensure that everyone, everywhere,
has access to the opportunities that digital technologies provide. We look
forward to continuing our collaboration with Pakistan and Huawei to drive
sustainable development and digital inclusion”.
Ahmed Bilal
Masood Deputy CEO of Huawei Pakistan, shared his
thoughts on the occasion, stating, “Huawei is proud to be a part of this
transformative initiative. Our mission has always been to leverage technology
to create opportunities and improve lives. The Swabi Smart Village Project is a
testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering
communities and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with MOITT, ITU
and other Partners to drive innovation and inclusion across Pakistan.”
The
implementation partners, including TeleTaleem, Sehat Kahani, and Baidarie ,
have played a vital role in ensuring the project's success. TeleTaleem
contributed to digital education solutions, enhancing learning opportunities
for rural populations. Sehat Kahani has been instrumental in delivering
telehealth services, providing accessible healthcare to underserved
communities. Baidarie has supported community engagement and empowerment by
managing smart village center, ensuring that the project aligns with local
needs and aspirations. Their collective efforts have strengthened the impact of
this initiative, making it more holistic and sustainable.
The smart village
Pakistan initiative sets a precedent for transformative efforts across the
country by integrating innovative solutions, fostering collaboration, and
promoting digital skills, the project aims to create lasting impacts and
transform the lives of rural communities.