KEY POINTS
- The government announced a plan to train one million AI professionals and fund fifty civic AI projects.
- A National AI Policy aims to shift Pakistan from a tech consumer to a global producer of AI technologies.
- An AI Enablement Fund has been established to finance sector growth and innovation ecosystem development.
- 5G services are slated for rollout in major cities within months to support advanced AI infrastructure.
ISLAMABAD: Unveiling a roadmap for technological transformation, Pakistan’s Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Friday the government’s plan to train one million AI professionals, roll out 5G in major cities within months, and fund fifty civic AI projects.
The Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication reaffirmed the federal government’s steadfast commitment to harnessing the true potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for comprehensive national development.
Policy drives transformation
Addressing a ceremony for Indus AI Week 2026, the minister underscored the pivotal role of the National AI Policy approved in 2025. She stated the policy is a strategic blueprint designed to fundamentally transform Pakistan’s role in the global tech landscape, moving the nation from a consumer to a leading producer of emerging technologies.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasizes that Indus AI Week builds on Pakistan’s National AI Policy — moving “beyond dialogue toward adoption.” @ShazaFK #IndusAIWeek #TechDestinationPakistan pic.twitter.com/2dsLQ5oXU1
— Ammad Alvi (@TheAmmadFiles) January 16, 2026
Funding and ecosystem development
Detailing the government’s concrete steps, Shaza Fatima revealed that an AI Enablement Fund has already been initiated to provide critical financial support and spur growth within the sector. “The government is fully focused on establishing a robust AI innovation ecosystem and infrastructure, alongside widespread public awareness campaigns,” she said.
Public-private collaboration key
Emphasising a collaborative approach, the minister highlighted that enabling the private sector is central to the government’s strategy. This partnership, she explained, is crucial for accomplishing a suite of ambitious initiatives.
She outlined key projects including the training of one million AI resources, the provision of three thousand AI scholarships annually, and the implementation of fifty AI-driven civic projects aimed at solving public issues.
5G rollout imminent
In a related announcement towards building next-generation digital infrastructure, the minister declared that the government is committed to introducing 5G services in the country’s major cities in the coming months. This step is seen as essential for supporting advanced AI applications and high-speed connectivity.
The minister’s address concluded with a vision of a technologically empowered Pakistan, leveraging AI for economic growth, improved public services, and enhanced global competitiveness.
