Pakistan Pledges to Leverage AI for National Development, Announces Major Initiatives
NAEEM MEHBOOB:
Islamabad: Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for Pakistan’s national development.
Speaking at Indus AI Week 2026 in Islamabad, Khawaja highlighted the National AI Policy, approved in 2025, which aims to transform Pakistan from a technology consumer to a leading producer of emerging technologies.
The minister said the government has launched an AI Enablement Fund to support the sector and is focused on building an AI innovation ecosystem, infrastructure, and awareness across the country.
Highlighting public-private collaboration, Khawaja detailed several key initiatives, including training one million AI professionals, awarding 3,000 AI scholarships annually, and implementing 50 AI civic projects.
She also confirmed that 5G services will be introduced in major Pakistani cities in the coming months, further supporting the country’s technology and innovation agenda.
