Key Points
- Pakistan plans $1 billion investment in artificial intelligence by 2030
- Government to provide 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in AI
- Nationwide AI training programme for one million professionals announced
- Initiatives aim to build a world-class research ecosystem and digital economy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will invest one billion dollars in artificial intelligence by 2030, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday, outlining plans to develop a national AI ecosystem and strengthen the country’s position in emerging technologies.
Speaking at the opening of Indus AI Week in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said the investment would support education, research, and innovation in artificial intelligence.
“AI curriculum will be introduced not only in all federally controlled schools but also in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and most parts of Balochistan to prepare our youth for leadership in the digital economy,” he said.
The government also announced 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in AI to be awarded nationwide by 2030, aiming to build a world-class research and innovation centre.
In addition, a programme will train one million professionals outside the IT sector in AI skills, helping them increase productivity and improve livelihoods.
The announcement comes a day after Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim discussed investments and tech talent collaboration between Islamabad and Riyadh on the sidelines of the AlUla Investment Conference in the Kingdom. In the meeting, the Saudi Arabian minister highlighted the high-quality artificial intelligence and technology talent being produced by Pakistan, noting that it ranks among the top one or two globally.
Addressing the AI week’s inaugural, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan intends to lead in emerging technologies. He announced new national centres for quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, and bio-sciences. He added that the “Quantum Valley” project will create a holistic innovation ecosystem with four specialised science parks covering key sectors, including agri-tech and minerals.
Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima stated that Pakistan aims to align AI development with national priorities, values, and aspirations. The government will implement the AI policy launched in September last year to guide research and innovation in the field.
Earlier, Pakistan’s first quantum computing hackathon, organised by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, provided a platform for young innovators to contribute to national scientific advancement. PAEC Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar said participants represent the future of Pakistan’s science and technology leadership and that the youth will play a key role in innovation and problem-solving.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed confidence that Indus AI Week would be a “game changer” for Pakistan’s technological landscape, positioning the country as a competitive partner in global AI development.
