Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that the government plans to invest $1 billion in Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector by 2030, outlining a set of measures aimed at building a digital economy and expanding access to AI education and training.

 

Speaking at the inaugural session of Indus AI Week, the prime minister said that the investment will be used to develop an AI ecosystem in the country and prepare the workforce for technological change.

 

“Pakistan is absolutely ready to accept the challenge and work with our global partners, with great commitment and dedication,” he said.

 

As part of the plan, the prime minister announced the introduction of an AI curriculum in all federally administered schools. He also said the government will provide 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in artificial intelligence by 2030 to students from across the country. In addition, a nationwide programme will be launched to train one million non-IT professionals in AI-related skills.

 

The prime minister said AI applications will be prioritised in agriculture, mines and minerals, industry, commerce, trade and youth development. Referring to Pakistan’s population of about 240 million, with nearly 60 percent under the age of 30, he said there was a need to equip young people with modern skills.

 

Addressing concerns among IT professionals about technological change, he said government initiatives would support the transition from traditional IT roles to AI-based expertise. He said AI could lead to gains in agricultural output and efficiency, industrial activity and employment opportunities for women.

 

The prime minister cited ongoing digital reforms as evidence of institutional readiness, referring to the digitisation of the Federal Board of Revenue, the use of data-based systems to improve revenue collection and the installation of scanners and digital tools at ports to control 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.

 

Referring to earlier technology-related initiatives, the prime minister said current AI plans were a continuation of reforms introduced during previous governments led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He mentioned laptop distribution schemes for high-performing students in Punjab, the establishment of e-libraries in remote areas, e-stamp papers and the digitisation of land records with World Bank support.

 

He also referred to the launch of the country’s first Safe City project and the establishment of Pakistan’s first IT university in Lahore.

 

Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Indus AI Week was intended to improve coordination between universities, government institutions and international companies. She said the Pakistan Digital Authority was drafting a nationwide digital master plan.