Pakistan launches AI ‘techathon' to empower young innovators, build future economy
A techathon, also called a hackathon or codefest, is an event where people, typically programmers and tech professionals, collaborate intensively on software projects for community building and innovation.
The launch of 'Uraan AI Techathon 1.0' in Islamabad brought together Pakistan's brightest minds to harness the power of AI for national development, marking a significant milestone in the country's digital journey, according to Pakistan's Press Information Department (PID).
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal described the techathon, part of the Uraan Pakistan national transformation initiative, as a 'national call' to challenge, inspire and mobilize Pakistani students, developers, thinkers and entrepreneurs to use AI to solve real problems.
'Its objective is to mobilize Pakistan's youth and professionals to solve real-world challenges through AI, build national capacity in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and enhance Pakistan's global visibility in emerging technologies,' Iqbal said at the launch.
The development came days after Pakistan announced its first National Artificial Intelligence Policy, a wide-ranging plan to develop AI infrastructure, train one million people in related skills and ensure responsible, ethical use of the technology in line with global standards.
The policy is designed to transform the country into a 'knowledge-based economy' through investment in research, innovation and skills, while safeguarding personal data and human rights, according to the IT and telecom ministry. It lays out a six-pillar framework covering AI innovation, public awareness, secure systems, sectoral transformation, infrastructure and international partnerships.
Speaking at Monday's event in Islamabad, the planning minister announced the launch of a dedicated online portal for the techathon to serve as a central hub for registrations, communication, updates, resources and event coordination, stressing inclusive participation especially from underserved and remote regions.
He noted that AI is 'no longer the future but the present,' reshaping health, education, agriculture, industry and governance around the world.
'Decisions that shape economies today are increasingly driven by algorithms,' Iqbal said. 'Pakistan will not remain a spectator in the AI revolution but will emerge as a rising leader.'
Speaking about the government's priorities, the minister said it was focused on leveraging AI to bring innovative solutions to health, education, agriculture and other sectors, and building the national capacity through training, mentorship and the establishment of Centers of Excellence.
He said Pakistan's youth possess the same passion and energy that fuels the world's leading technology hubs and urged young innovators to step forward, experiment and prove that their ideas, vision and creativity are second to none globally, underlining the role of local startups, universities, and technology parks in building a robust AI ecosystem.
'Through initiatives like the URAAN AI Techathon 1.0, we are not only nurturing innovation but also preparing Pakistan to move toward a trillion-dollar economy by 2035,' Iqbal added.
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