Punjab, Huawei to expand AI cooperation

CM announces Punjab Data Lake plan

LAHORE:

Welcoming Chinese technology giant Huawei's collaboration with Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has invited it to invest in the Nawaz Sharif IT City.

The chief minister, who is on a visit to China, met senior officials of Huawei and discussed expansion of cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and smart public services. The company's officials warmly welcomed the chief minister and her delegation.

The two sides agreed to train 1,000 young people from Punjab as Huawei master trainers. According to a statement, 300 women trainers will also receive AI training from the company.

Proposals to establish an Artificial Intelligence Delivery Unit in Punjab and a sovereign and six other data centres at the Nawaz Sharif Information Technology City were also discussed. The participants agreed to designate a focal person to improve coordination between Huawei and the government of Pakistan.

Cooperation on smart cities, command centres, healthcare, education, agriculture and manufacturing was also discussed.

A roadmap covering AI, cloud technologies, digital infrastructure, talent development and smart public services was also reviewed in the meeting.

The CM said advancing Punjab in AI was a top priority, adding that the province was among the most active regions in South Asia in adopting technology.

She said strategic partnerships with leading global technology companies could help build a digitally empowered, innovative and citizen-focused Punjab.

"Talent development and inclusive access to technology are key pillars of Punjab's strategy," she said, adding that cloud computing, digital infrastructure and AI models would be developed in the province.

A senior Huawei executive said the company would continue working with Punjab to promote digital transformation and sustainable development.

Addressing the Big Data Industry Expo 2026, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the launch of the first dedicated Punjab Data Lake and invited Chinese technology companies, investors and infrastructure leaders to invest in Punjab.

She said a state-level common data engine known as OneMap was at the centre of the system. Through OneMap, more than 12 terabytes of geospatial data obtained from 31 departments and over 6,000 datasets would be integrated into a unified system.

"OneMap can help in planning, resolving land-related disputes and promoting more informed urban development," she said.

She said the Punjab government was also linking OneMap with the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry.