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Meta offers support for urdu AI models as Pakistan deepens digital push

Meta offers support for urdu AI models as Pakistan deepens digital push

Express Tribune10-07-2025
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, met with a high-level delegation from Meta, led by Sarim Aziz, Director of Public Policy for South and Central Asia, to discuss strengthening Pakistan's digital infrastructure, scaling artificial intelligence adoption, and empowering youth through technology.
Meta presented its latest developments in AI, including the LLaMA open-source models, Generative AI tools for public sector innovation, and work on Urdu-language AI models.
The company also expressed interest in helping Pakistan build local AI capacity and expanding technical training initiatives.
Shaza Fatima reiterated the government's full commitment to a digital Pakistan, emphasizing that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally chairs weekly meetings on the country's shift toward a cashless economy.
She stressed that digital skills for youth remain a top national priority, and that public-private partnerships like this are essential to unlocking the country's future potential.
'The effective use of AI is not optional—it is foundational for Pakistan's next phase of development,' she said. 'Initiatives that enhance youth capacity and improve public service delivery are not just welcome—they're necessary.'
Both sides agreed to explore deeper collaboration in digital skilling, AI adoption in governance, and innovation-driven partnerships that can accelerate Pakistan's digital transformation.
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