ISLAMABAD: Technology and economic experts have welcomed Pakistan’s decision to launch a $1 billion Artificial Intelligence (AI) fund, describing it as a landmark step toward transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy.
The initiative, unveiled by the Government of Pakistan in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), aims to bolster the digital sector, stimulate innovation, and equip the workforce with the skills required to meet rapidly evolving technological demands.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) Dr Nadeem Javaid expressed optimism that the ambitious initiative would lay the foundation for a robust national AI ecosystem.
The plan includes introducing AI curriculum across all federally run schools, awarding 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships by 2030, and launching a nationwide programme to train one million non-IT professionals in AI skills.
He said the initiative would help bridge the digital divide, strengthen research and development capacity, and encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship across multiple sectors, including agriculture, health, finance, and public administration.
By investing in advanced technologies and human capital, Pakistan aims to enhance productivity, improve governance through data-driven decision-making, and boost exports of high-value digital services.
Economists believe the $1 billion AI fund could serve as a powerful catalyst for startup growth, particularly among technology-driven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises.
By offering both financial assistance and technical support, the initiative seeks to foster an enabling environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.
Industry analysts emphasise that such strategic investments are essential for building a resilient and sustainable digital economy.
They argue that equipping young people with AI skills has the potential to significantly boost productivity across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, finance, education, and manufacturing.
Wider adoption of advanced technologies is also expected to open new employment avenues, strengthen the startup ecosystem, and attract greater foreign investment into Pakistan’s growing tech landscape.
Experts further underline that while funding is a crucial first step, the long-term success of the AI initiative will hinge on transparent implementation, regulatory clarity, and close coordination between academia, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Strong governance and consistent policy support, they note, will be vital to ensuring that the fund delivers tangible and inclusive economic benefits.
