The Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives has officially launched the Uraan AI Techathon 1.0 under its flagship Uraan Pakistan program, setting the stage for a national movement aimed at empowering youth and professionals to harness the power of artificial intelligence. The initiative is designed to mobilize talent across Pakistan to apply AI technologies to real-world challenges, creating opportunities for innovation in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, industry, and climate response. The launch brought together government leaders, academia, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives to unite behind a shared mission of advancing Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, addressed the gathering and described the Techathon as a “national call” to inspire students, developers, startups, and innovators to create AI-driven solutions with long-term social and economic impact. Stressing that this is more than just a competition, he emphasized its role as a movement to position Pakistan as a trillion-dollar economy by 2035. He also highlighted that through structured mentorship, training programs, and Centres of Excellence, participants will not only showcase their solutions but also gain access to resources that can help scale their innovations for real-world application. With AI now being integrated into curricula nationwide and supported by digital platforms to ensure inclusive participation, the government is positioning this initiative as a cornerstone in building a sustainable AI ecosystem.
PASHA played an active role in the launch, with key representation from its leadership and member companies. Among those present were Sheikh Abdul Qadir, CEC Member and Chair AI Committee, Dr. Sonia Saleem, CEC Member and Chair Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Ali Hasani, Secretary General, and Gulraiz Iqbal, Policy and Government Affairs Lead. Over 20 PASHA member companies also joined the launch, signaling strong industry backing for the program. Their involvement highlights the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in driving AI innovation and creating opportunities for Pakistani talent to develop solutions with both national and global relevance.
The Uraan AI Techathon 1.0 is part of a larger vision under the Uraan Pakistan initiative to foster innovation, nurture youth potential, and accelerate digital growth. With dedicated online portals to increase accessibility, alongside training and mentorship opportunities, the program is expected to attract participants from across the country, ensuring broad engagement from diverse regions and communities. By aligning national policy with industry expertise and academic participation, the initiative seeks to create an enabling environment where ideas can be transformed into impactful solutions. With strong backing from PASHA and its member companies, along with government leadership, the program is poised to act as a catalyst for Pakistan’s AI-driven future.
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