Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced key policy decisions on Wednesday, as the federal cabinet formally approved the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025, along with the Hajj Policy 2026, during a meeting held in Islamabad. The AI policy aims to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem in Pakistan, with a vision to train one million AI professionals by 2030 and launch 1,000 indigenous AI products within the next five years. The initiative represents one of the country’s most ambitious technology-driven reforms to date.
The newly endorsed policy includes launching 50,000 civic projects that will integrate AI solutions for public benefit, offering 3,000 annual scholarships to foster academic growth in the field, and supporting 1,000 research projects to boost innovation and scientific development. Emphasis has been placed on inclusivity, with education and financing provisions for women and differently-abled persons, as well as cybersecurity integration and alignment with international AI regulations.
A dedicated AI Council will oversee policy implementation, supported by a national-level Master Plan and Action Matrix. The government also intends to launch AI Innovation and Venture Funds to promote private sector involvement in AI product development. PM Shehbaz credited the Ministry of IT and associated departments for their work in formulating the policy and underscored that AI adoption will enhance efficiency in sectors like agriculture, public administration, and governance.
Alongside this digital policy initiative, the cabinet approved the Hajj Policy 2026, focused on fully digitising the pilgrimage process. Starting in 2026, 70% of pilgrims will be managed under the government scheme while the remaining 30% will go through private operators. These operators will now face increased accountability. Those who failed to meet obligations in the previous year will be required to facilitate the same pilgrims in 2026, using last year’s costs.
Key improvements include real-time tracking, the use of digital wristbands, mobile applications, SIM card integration, and an updated compensation mechanism. The Ministry of IT will collaborate with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ensure the digital transformation of all Hajj operations. Speaking to the media, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf addressed updates to the policy and noted that the ministry will respond to recent observations made by a Senate Standing Committee sub-committee, which did not consult the ministry during its report preparation.
Yousaf acknowledged that some private Hajj operators failed to deposit payments on time, causing logistical complications. As a remedy, affected pilgrims will now be offered Hajj at last year’s rates. A new financial eligibility criterion has been introduced for private operators to enhance transparency. Monitoring of both public and private schemes will now be handled by a neutral third party. The selection process will follow a first-come, first-served basis, and only pilgrims with Saudi-approved vaccinations will be permitted.
Facilities like the Road to Makkah initiative will operate at Islamabad and Karachi airports. Additional steps include full training for pilgrims, emergency response teams, and a robust financial oversight system. A formal grievance redressal mechanism will be in place, and the Hajj Nazim Scheme will continue. Children under 12 will not be allowed to perform Hajj. Implementation of the 2026 Hajj Policy is scheduled to begin from August 4.
