Pakistan has unveiled ambitious targets under the National AI Policy 2025, setting out a comprehensive roadmap that aims to train one million individuals in Artificial Intelligence by 2030. The framework includes the development of 10,000 certified trainers, 20,000 annual internship opportunities, 3,000 advanced research scholarships each year, and access to computing and data facilities for 150 institutions nationwide. The policy also outlines a significant public sector capacity-building effort, with the goal of ensuring that all government employees are AI-trained by 2027.
According to Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, these programs will be driven primarily through the National AI Skill Development Program, designed to prepare 200,000 individuals annually, along with a Train-the-Trainer initiative to certify 10,000 trainers by 2027. To complement this, a High-Tech Internship Program will create 20,000 placements every year, providing participants with certification and exposure to applied AI practices. Education reforms are also a central part of the plan, including the integration of AI into schools and universities. The government has committed to funding 3,000 postgraduate and doctoral scholarships each year while extending student loans to 15,000 individuals annually. These initiatives are structured as public-private partnerships, engaging NAVTTC, provincial governments, private sector organizations, and the diaspora community to support delivery.
To ensure effective implementation and governance, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has initiated the formal notification process for the Artificial Intelligence Council, tasked with providing strategic oversight. A Policy Implementation Cell will work under this framework to monitor progress, while Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence are being established in major cities, supported by auxiliary hubs to expand access. Alongside institutional development, the government has launched the National AI Advancement Initiative, which includes a dedicated component for AI startup funding. A National AI Fund is being structured in collaboration with stakeholders, complemented by a venture fund to fill the financing gap between seed and growth stages and an Innovation Fund managed at the Centres of Excellence. This multi-tiered approach is designed to give entrepreneurs access to labs, advisory services, and investment channels.
Minister Shaza Fatima also highlighted the inclusive aspects of the policy, stressing that marginalized groups would benefit through dedicated DigiSkills training for women and persons with disabilities. The plan involves collaboration with Bait-ul-Maal and Ehsaas programs to ensure participation from vulnerable communities, while female entrepreneurs will receive targeted support through specialized incentives. Public awareness campaigns in local languages are also planned to build understanding of AI and its applications at the grassroots level. Officials view these steps as critical to preparing Pakistan’s workforce for the global digital economy, ensuring that technological adoption is matched with inclusivity and access across different segments of society.
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