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Business Recorder
02-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
AI policy can revolutionize Pakistan's economy, say experts
IT sector experts and stakeholders hailed the government's comprehensive National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, terming it a milestone towards revolutionizing economic development in the country within next few years through collaboration and implementation in true letter and spirit. They said the policy will open a new era of opportunities for Pakistan, as it can not only attract local and foreign investments, but could also increase exports of high-tech services and products. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the National AI Policy 2025 in a cabinet meeting recently which aims to create a complete AI ecosystem in Pakistan and democratize access to AI, enhance public services, as well as open up new employment and innovation avenues. AI education According to Mehwish Salman Ali, Member AI committee at Pakistan IT industry association, P@SHA, Pakistan needs to collaborate with local and foreign universities and training institutions to prepare human resources for AI, including 10,000 trainers and 1 million IT graduates in the next two years, which requires joint efforts and a uniform structure. In this regard, top IT companies along with universities should not only launch relevant degree programs but also establish innovation centers in major cities to provide platforms to professionals for working on new ideas along with upskilling and capacity-building, she added. She also suggested that the government should build state-level relationship with advanced countries and emerging economies such as Gulf countries for collaborations on various AI projects for mutual benefits and trade ties. The National AI policy outlines training 1 million AI professionals by 2030, establishing an AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund to boost private sector involvement, creation of 50,000 AI-driven civic projects and 1,000 local AI products in the next five years, distribution of 3,000 annual AI scholarships and facilitation of 1,000 research projects, inclusion of women and differently-abled individuals through accessible education and financing, strengthening cybersecurity and national data security protocols, promoting global partnerships and compliance with international AI regulations. Further, an AI Council and a comprehensive master plan and action matrix will oversee the policy's implementation under the policy. $10 billion IT exports Senior Vice Chairman P@SHA Muhammad Umair Nizam said the policy will prove as a roadmap for achieving major milestones on business, technology and economic fronts in Pakistan. This policy may play a pivotal role in achieving the target of $10 billion IT exports by FY29 , and open windows of opportunities for investments in IT and allied companies, he said. However, the government should provide basic infrastructure for reaping the benefits of this policy, including fast internet, affordable devices, electricity, and workstations in different cities, he added. The government should also launch awareness campaigns nationwide because the country not only need professionals and developers of AI but also ethical and productive users of this technologies, he further said. P@SHA said it will extend its full support in the ambitious goal of the government through its members. Meanwhile Dr Noman Said, an IT exporter and CEO SI Global Solution said 'Pakistan's draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy is an encouraging and much-needed step toward creating a future-ready digital economy, but it is not short of vision as Pakistan's history with tech policies is riddled with delays and diluted impact.' 'To make this count, we must act decisively, cut red tape, and deliver early wins that demonstrate credibility. The real challenge isn't crafting a policy, it's turning it into progress.' The policy sets goals stretching to 2028, while AI globally is evolving every 6–12 months, hence, the country must move at the speed of innovation, not bureaucracy, he suggested. While the creation of different institutions is proposed, success will depend on whether these institutions are led by technocrats and industry experts or bogged down by administrative hurdles, Dr Noman said. The private sector, particularly startups and SMEs, must be incentivized with regulatory sandboxes, tax breaks, and access to public datasets to drive adoption and innovation from the ground up. He pointed out that the policy mentions international collaboration but must act fast to align with global AI alliances. ' If we don't integrate now, we risk becoming data consumers, not contributors.'
Express Tribune
31-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cabinet approves Hajj 2026, AI 2025 policies
The federal cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy for 2026 and the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for 2025, marking significant steps towards digitising services and harnessing technology to drive economic growth. Chairing the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the complete digitalisation of next year's Hajj operation, aimed at providing the best facilities for pilgrims. "All efforts will be made to ensure the smooth provision of services to Hajj pilgrims," he said. The Hajj Policy 2026 includes a 70% government quota and a 30% private sector quota. It was highlighted that, following issues with the private sector in the previous year, private companies will ensure the participation of pilgrims who missed the Hajj in 2025. A new third-party validation system for Hajj operations will be implemented for both government and private companies, ensuring transparency. The policy also includes the allocation of 1,000 seats for hardship cases and real-time monitoring of payments and processes for pilgrims opting for private companies. Additionally, a transparent selection process for Hajj assistants will be held via a test. The government also plans to provide mobile SIM cards, digital wristbands, quality accommodations, and compensation for emergency situations. The Pakistan Hajj mobile app will be enhanced for payment, training, and complaints management. Artificial Intelligence On the AI front, the prime minister highlighted the government's focus on empowering youth and enhancing the economy through AI. The National AI Policy 2025 aims to improve public services, productivity, and economic inclusion. The policy will encourage the development of AI skills, training, and access for women and people with disabilities. The cabinet was briefed about the AI revolution expected globally by 2030, with significant financial impacts on the world economy. The policy will include an AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund to encourage private sector involvement. Steps to increase AI use in public services, cyber security, and environmental management are also covered in the policy. AI 2030 goals Moreover, 1 million trained AI professionals, 3,000 annual scholarships, 1,000 local AI products, and 50,000 AI-related projects are targeted by 2030. To oversee the policy's implementation, the establishment of an AI Council and an Action Plan was approved. The cabinet also ratified decisions made in the Cabinet Committees on privatisation and legislation. Sharif further acknowledged the damage caused by recent rains across various regions of the country, with mountainous areas suffering the most. He directed that measures be taken to address the damage caused by these natural disasters. PM also lauded the efforts of the energy minister and his team, highlighting the successful negotiations with Independent Power Producers, which have resulted in billions of rupees in savings for the country. Armed Forces While addressing the meeting, PM Shehbaz also praised Pakistan's Armed Forces for their contributions to the country's security, highlighting their triumph in the war against India, which left the world in awe of Pakistan's military prowess.
Business Recorder
30-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Federal cabinet approves National AI Policy 2025
The federal cabinet on Wednesday approved the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025, aimed at transforming Pakistan into a digitally empowered economy by establishing a full-fledged AI ecosystem and promoting inclusive access to emerging technologies, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Chairing the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that youth are Pakistan's most valuable asset, and providing them with modern education, especially in AI, is a national priority. He noted that the government is already leveraging AI in tax reforms to enhance revenue and improve governance. The policy lays out a strategic roadmap to integrate AI across public services, education, agriculture, and economic development, while addressing data security, ethics, and environmental concerns. Key highlights of the AI Policy 2025 include: Creation of a comprehensive national AI ecosystem. Establishment of AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund to support private sector development. Training of 1 million AI professionals by 2030. 3,000 scholarships annually, 50,000 AI-enabled civic projects, and 1,000 local AI products over the next five years. Focused inclusion of women and differently-abled persons in the AI workforce. Strengthening of cybersecurity and national data protection frameworks. Alignment with global AI regulations and international partnerships. The policy was developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders from the public sector, academia, industry, and civil society. To ensure implementation, the government will establish a high-level AI Council and a detailed Master Plan with Action Matrix. The prime minister praised the Ministry of IT and allied institutions for their forward-looking work in preparing the policy and underscored the importance of timely policymaking to harness AI's global potential.
