Cabinet okays first AI policy
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Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, said on Thursday that Pakistan's first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy will mark the country's transition into a new digital era.
The cabinet has unanimously approved the National AI Policy 2025. The plan aims to build a strong AI ecosystem that will democratise access to artificial intelligence, enhance public services, create jobs, and foster innovation.
The policy targets training 1 million AI professionals by 2030, setting up AI Innovation and Venture Funds, and launching 50,000 AI-powered civic projects. It also aims to support 1,000 locally made AI products, 3,000 AI scholarships annually, and 1,000 research projects. It includes digital inclusion for women and differently-abled individuals, improved data security, and international AI regulatory alignment.
While briefing the media, Khawaja said the policy will bring improvements in education, healthcare, industry, trade, and governance.
"This policy is meant to benefit all citizens. It's part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision for a 'Digital Pakistan' and follows his instructions to modernise the country's economy and governance using digital tools. With clear planning and strong implementation, we aim to join the ranks of leading tech-driven countries," she said. The government will launch innovation and venture funds to support startups and youth-led projects. The goal is to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and create specialised AI centres nationwide.
The policy also focuses on education, not only for schools and universities but for training professionals and businesspeople as well. On cybersecurity, she said the policy includes steps to ensure AI use is ethical and secure. Measures will protect citizens' data and shield digital systems from cyber threats.
AI will be deployed across all sectors to increase productivity and efficiency.
"No one should be left behind as we move into an intelligent world," she added. The policy includes programmes to bring AI to remote and underdeveloped regions. Infrastructure development is a key focus. Pakistan has launched the Pak-China data transit system, positioning itself as a regional data hub connecting Central Asia and China through Karachi.
Plans also include developing local AI tools, including a national Large Language Model (LLM). "We must create systems that reflect our culture, religion, language and identity," she said, warning against over-reliance on foreign models.
She urged youth and professionals to actively help shape the country's AI future. Without local input, she said, Pakistan risks being left out of global tech progress.
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