PM launches ambitious AI roadmap

Govt pledges $1b by 2030, 1,000 PhDs and training for 1m professionals

ISLAMABAD:

Signalling a decisive shift towards a technology-led future, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a $1 billion investment in artificial intelligence by 2030, unveiling sweeping education, research and skills initiatives aimed at building a national AI ecosystem and preparing Pakistan's youth for leadership roles in the digital economy.

Addressing the opening ceremony of Indus AI Week in Islamabad, the prime minister said the investment would strengthen Pakistan's AI landscape and help move young people from IT technicians to AI experts, describing the event as a potential "game changer" for the country's technology sector.

He announced that an AI curriculum would be introduced in all federally-run schools, as well as in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and most parts of Balochistan. He also revealed plans for 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in AI by 2030 to develop world-class research capacity.

In addition, the government will launch a nationwide programme to train one million non-IT professionals in AI skills to boost productivity and improve livelihoods, as part of efforts to build a future-ready digital economy and empower young Pakistanis.

"Pakistan is absolutely ready to accept the challenge and work with our global partners, with great commitment and dedication," Shehbaz said, adding that AI interventions would focus on priority sectors including agriculture, mines and minerals, industry, commerce, trade and youth empowerment.

With a population of around 240 million, nearly 60% of whom are young, he stressed the urgency of equipping the next generation with modern knowledge and techniques, assuring IT professionals that government programmes would help them transition into advanced AI roles.

He said AI adoption could unlock unprecedented gains in agricultural yield, quality and efficiency, alongside industrial growth and women's empowerment, while pointing to ongoing digital reforms as proof of Pakistan's readiness.

Citing examples, he referred to the digitisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), improved revenue recovery through data-driven systems, and the use of modern scanners and digital instruments at ports to curb smuggling.

"We are recovering lost revenues through technology and offering quality training to our young men and women in agriculture, commerce and trade," he said.

Recalling earlier initiatives under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister said the current AI push builds on past reforms, including laptop distribution for high achievers in Punjab, e-libraries in remote areas, e-stamp papers and the digitisation of land records in partnership with the World Bank to curb corruption.

He also noted that Pakistan's first Safe City project and first IT university were established in Lahore, saying lessons from those efforts had helped shape today's digital ambitions.

On the occasion, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the Indus AI Week aimed to strengthen coordination between universities, governments and international companies, underscoring Pakistan's commitment to a digital revolution.

She added that the Pakistan Digital Authority was preparing a nationwide digital master plan, noting that this year marks one year since the implementation of the national AI policy launched in September 2025.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)