First local Large Language Model to be developed

Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (Jazz) has announced the development of Pakistan's first locally developed Large Language Model (LLM), in partnership with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB), according to a press release on Wednesday. This collaboration aims to advance indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for government agencies, businesses, and citizens by building AI tools tailored to Pakistan's unique context.

The LLM initiative seeks to reflect Pakistan's rich cultural and linguistic diversity, enhancing efficiency across various sectors by equipping national entities with cutting-edge AI applications. Minister of IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said, "This partnership is a milestone for Pakistan's digital future, combining academia, industry, and government strengths to create a platform that embodies Pakistan's unique perspective while advancing our technological and cultural sovereignty."

Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim highlighted the transformative potential of AI for Pakistan. "Through this collaboration with NUST and NITB, we aim to bridge the digital divide, empowering communities with tools in their own languages. This national effort will accelerate digital inclusion."

Rector NUST, Javed Mehmood Bukhari, spoke about NUST's capacity to expand AI capabilities in Pakistan, with the project serving as a foundation for a forward-looking digital identity framework. Senior leaders from Jazz, NUST, and NITB will oversee this five-year MoU.