Punjab eyes AI superiority

CM approves roadmap aimed at regional leadership by 2029

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved Punjab's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap, setting a target to transform the province into South Asia's leading AI-driven region by 2029.

Under the initiative, the world's first AI Delivery Unit will be established in Punjab to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across governance and public services. The chief minister will serve as the chairperson of both the unit and a special project team overseeing the roadmap's implementation.

During a briefing on the roadmap, Punjab AI Adviser Ali Dar informed the chief minister that the initiative is expected to generate more than 100,000 employment opportunities over the next three years. The programme could also increase Punjab's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by five to 10 per cent and potentially raise foreign exchange reserves by $10 billion to $20 billion through technology-led growth.

The roadmap outlines the development of AI infrastructure, administration, citizen services, job skills development, AI-driven economic growth and governance.

Four cross-functional teams will focus on special projects, data management, strategic operations and strategic communications.

The chief minister also approved the establishment of an AI Technical Advisory Board, ordering that leading experts in the field be included to guide the initiative.

According to the implementation timeline, the Punjab AI Roadmap Manifesto will be launched this month, followed by the international launch of the AI Delivery Unit in June.

An AI Governance Policy will be introduced in July, while a Global Tech Partnership and Citizen Portal will be launched in the following month to coincide with the Independence Day celebrations.

Further milestones include the launch of a Health Board App in September, integration of AI-based systems for smog monitoring and mitigation in October, and the Kissan AI Board in November.

The chief minister also ordered that agriculture interns be integrated into the Kissan AI Bot to support farmers with modern advisory tools.

Officials said the AI curriculum has already been introduced in 100 schools across Punjab, while an additional 155 schools will begin teaching artificial intelligence from April.

Chief Minister Marysm Nawaz said the government intends to enhance the capacity and efficiency of every sector through the use of artificial intelligence.

She emphasised that the AI roadmap would help harness the potential of the youth and bring young talent together under a unified technological vision for the province.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the passing of senior actor Asim Bukhari.

In her condolence message, she extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and patience for them.