Pakistan has taken another major step toward digital inclusion with the launch of Meta AI in Urdu, a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan and Meta. The development marks a milestone in making artificial intelligence more accessible to citizens by introducing the technology in the national language. Announced at the Future in Focus – AI and Innovation Conference in Islamabad, the launch was inaugurated by Federal Minister Shaza Khawaja. In her address, she emphasized that the National AI Policy has been instrumental in enabling such initiatives, ensuring that advanced technology is available in a language understood by the people it aims to serve.
The launch of Meta AI in Urdu is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to create an inclusive and ethical AI ecosystem in Pakistan. Earlier this year, the Ministry collaborated with Meta and atomcamp to introduce a Train the Trainers Programme designed to strengthen AI literacy and capacity building across the country. The initiative focused on developing beginner and advanced AI expertise among educators and professionals. In addition, the Ministry has integrated AI curriculum into the Civil Services Academy and recently announced the GO AI Hub in partnership with GO Telecom, which will serve as a center for innovation and research in AI applications. These steps collectively aim to cultivate a sustainable AI environment that aligns with national goals for digital transformation.
During the conference, Meta also introduced a localized version of its guide titled “Transforming Public Sector Innovation in Asia Pacific with Llama,” developed in collaboration with Deloitte. This guide, created with support from the Ministry, highlights how Meta’s open-source AI model, Llama, can be leveraged to enhance public sector operations, improve service delivery, and strengthen data sovereignty. The localized resource is intended to support public institutions and government departments in adopting AI responsibly while promoting efficiency and transparency in administrative processes.
Sarim Aziz, Director Public Policy at Meta, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating that through its partnership with the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan, Meta aims to empower the public sector and academia to use AI for digital transformation across the country. He added that these efforts are designed to equip institutions with tools and knowledge necessary to maximize the benefits of AI for citizens. The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to fostering responsible AI adoption through collaboration with partners like Meta, focusing on digital skill development and innovation-driven public service enhancement.
By introducing Meta AI in Urdu, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to promoting technological inclusivity and ethical AI practices. The initiative not only enables more people to interact with artificial intelligence in their own language but also lays the groundwork for a stronger, more connected digital ecosystem in the country.
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