Pakistan is on the edge of a major tech transformation as it prepares to roll out its first-ever national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. After nearly a year of consultation with local and international experts, the policy is finally ready—and it promises to reshape how the country uses emerging technologies in every aspect of life.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, shared the exciting update at a seminar hosted by Quaid-i-Azam University. “The AI policy is likely to be approved soon,” she said, marking a shift from planning to real implementation.
From Vision to Action:
Minister Shaza emphasized that the government’s focus has now shifted to implementing the policy. “Our main focus now is on putting the policy into action,” she said, calling on professionals, academics, and the public to take part in the process.
She encouraged everyone to study the policy’s six main pillars and provide feedback through social media and email:
- Innovation
- Awareness
- Infrastructure
- AI Ethics and Safety
- Sectoral Transformation
- Global Cooperation
A Call for Unity and Inclusion:
Shaza Fatima highlighted the importance of unity and teamwork, urging all sectors to collaborate:“If we work together, nothing can stop our progress. But for this, we must leave behind narrow thinking and work as a team,” she said.
She also emphasized the crucial role of women in the tech industry. “Women’s inclusion is not optional—it’s necessary for growth. No country can succeed by leaving out half its population.”
Upskilling the Next Generation:
The minister shared that over 350,000 young Pakistanis have already been trained through partnerships involving the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Ignite, NAVTTC, HEC, and global giants like Google, Huawei, and Microsoft.“Our goal is clear: every IT graduate should either land a job or launch a business,” she said. To support this, the government has set aside substantial funding in the Public Sector Development Program to create more AI and digital jobs.
She also emphasized the importance of working together:
“The ministry alone cannot do everything. We need Centers of Excellence and other institutions to step up. National development depends on collaboration.”
Boost in Foreign Investment and Startup Ecosystem:
Shaza Fatima celebrated Pakistan’s growing role in the global digital economy. This year, the country hosted its first Digital FDI Forum, welcoming ICT leaders from 45 countries. Supported by Saudi Arabia’s Digital Cooperation Organization, the event resulted in $700 million worth of signed MoUs—the highest digital investment in Pakistan’s history.Encouraging local startups and innovation hubs to think globally, she said:
“If you are ready to collaborate, the funding is available.”
The biggest news? The launch of the Pakistan Startup Fund, with a special focus on AI-led ventures. “This fund will be one of the largest government-backed platforms supporting innovation, research, and product development,” the minister announced.
She closed with a powerful message: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has positioned Pakistan as an emerging digital force—and the world is beginning to take notice.
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