ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has unveiled ambitious plans under its National AI Policy 2025, aiming to train one million people in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030. The policy outlines the development of 10,000 trainers, the provision of 20,000 internships annually, 3,000 advanced research scholarships each year, and access to computing resources for 150 institutions.
The government also plans to ensure that by 2027, all public servants will be AI-trained. Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized that the National AI Skill Development Program will train 200,000 individuals annually, and a “Train-the-Trainer” initiative will target 10,000 trainers by 2027. Additionally, the High-Tech Internship Program will offer 20,000 placements per year with certification.
As part of its educational reforms, Pakistan aims to integrate AI into schools and universities, while also providing 3,000 postgraduate and doctoral scholarships annually and loans for 15,000 students per year. These initiatives will operate through public-private partnerships, involving institutions such as NAVTTC, provincial governments, education boards, private enterprises, and the diaspora community.
To strengthen governance, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has initiated the formation of the Artificial Intelligence Council, which will oversee the implementation of the policy. Furthermore, Centres of Excellence in AI (CoE-AI) are being set up in major cities, with additional hubs to be established.
The ministry has also launched the National AI Advancement Initiative, which includes funding for AI startups. A National AI Fund and a venture fund are being created in consultation with stakeholders to bridge the financing gap, providing AI entrepreneurs with access to labs, advisory services, and venture capital.
Shaza Fatima highlighted that marginalized communities will benefit from these efforts through DigiSkills programs for women, persons with disabilities, partnerships with Bait-ul-Maal and Ehsaas, incentives for female entrepreneurship, and AI awareness campaigns in local languages. These steps aim to accelerate AI adoption, ensuring both technological advancement and inclusivity, preparing the workforce for the global digital economy.
