Pakistan has announced bold plans to develop a robust artificial intelligence ecosystem by 2030, focusing on training one million AI developers and launching more than 1,000 local AI products. This target was outlined at the 26th ITCN Asia 2025 during a session of PASHA’s Policy Roundtable, where Mehwish Salman, Member of the AI Committee, PASHA, underscored the urgent need for indigenous AI solutions to keep user data secure within national digital borders and enhance data protection.
Adnan Zaidi, Co-Chair AI Committee, PASHA and Member AI Task Force, MoITT, who chaired the roundtable, spoke about the rising demand for AI professionals capable of building homegrown tools, solutions, and applications across diverse socio-economic sectors. Salman emphasized that achieving these national objectives requires major investment in computational infrastructure, the creation of Centres of Excellence in AI, and expanded access to cloud services and data to strengthen the local AI ecosystem. She highlighted Pakistan’s standing as the fourth most frequent user of the ChatGPT chatbot worldwide, warning that sending sensitive information abroad through foreign platforms poses risks to individual and organizational data security. Salman added that local AI products would not only protect sensitive information but also offer culturally and linguistically relevant features to better meet the needs of domestic users.
Zaidi drew attention to the growing pool of IT companies in Pakistan already engaged in AI development and recommended a sharper focus on specialization within key industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, finance, and logistics. By aligning solutions to industry-specific needs, firms could achieve stronger performance and differentiation. He stressed the importance of academia and private sector collaboration to train and place graduates in AI-related roles through internships, job programs, and curriculum upgrades. Zaidi also called for the National AI Policy introduced by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication to be continuously updated with expert input to address gaps and guide long-term progress.
Experts at the session also weighed in on the ethical dimensions of AI deployment, noting potential risks of misuse across sectors, including banking. They recommended that government agencies and stakeholders establish clear guidelines identifying where AI should be implemented or restricted to strengthen cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and data protection standards. Proposals put forward included the establishment of dedicated financing streams—such as an AI Innovation Fund and an AI Venture Fund—to support startups, research and development, and domestic product creation. Participants further called for a nationwide awareness drive on AI, its integration into academic curricula, and large-scale upskilling initiatives through scholarships, online courses, and bootcamps to ensure a steady supply of qualified professionals for Pakistan’s emerging AI industry.
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