The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), in collaboration with Meta, has launched ALIF, an Urdu version of Meta AI, marking a major step toward making artificial intelligence tools more inclusive for the people of Pakistan. The announcement was made at the “Future in Focus: AI and Innovation” event, which highlighted efforts to advance digital transformation and innovation across the country.
The event brought together key figures from government, academia, and industry to discuss strategies for expanding AI adoption and innovation in Pakistan. The introduction of ALIF aims to enable users to interact with Meta AI in Urdu, allowing broader segments of the population to benefit from digital assistance in their native language. This initiative is expected to enhance accessibility, promote digital literacy, and create opportunities for individuals and organizations to leverage AI-driven solutions in their daily lives.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering technological empowerment across all sectors. She noted that Pakistan is rapidly moving toward a future where technology empowers every citizen and that initiatives like ALIF, along with the National AI Policy, demonstrate a clear dedication to advancing AI literacy and digital innovation nationwide. The partnership between MoITT and Meta reflects a growing collaboration aimed at equipping both public institutions and citizens with the knowledge and tools to navigate an AI-driven world.
As part of the event, Meta also introduced the localized version of its “Transforming Public Sector Innovation in Asia Pacific with Llama” guide, developed in partnership with Deloitte. The guide outlines practical applications of Meta’s open-source Llama model for public sector innovation, highlighting how AI can enhance administrative efficiency, improve citizen services, and strengthen data sovereignty. With the support of MoITT, this resource is designed to assist policymakers and government departments in integrating AI technologies into governance frameworks.
Earlier in the year, MoITT, in collaboration with Meta, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the National Computing and Emerging Sciences Accreditation Council (NCEAC), and Atomcamp, launched an AI Literacy Program to strengthen the capacity of educators across Pakistan. The initiative aims to train 350 non-computer science faculty members from universities nationwide, equipping them with essential AI skills to better prepare students for the evolving digital economy. By investing in AI education and awareness, the program underscores the government’s focus on preparing the workforce for the future of work, where digital and AI competencies are increasingly vital.
The launch of ALIF reflects Pakistan’s growing emphasis on localized technology solutions that make digital tools accessible to all citizens. Through continued collaboration with global technology companies like Meta, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication is working to ensure that language is no longer a barrier to innovation and that every individual in Pakistan can benefit from the opportunities of an AI-powered future.
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