Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced that Pakistan’s newly approved national AI policy is a transformative initiative designed to help the country align with developed economies through technology-driven progress. In a televised message, she stated that artificial intelligence is redefining not only the IT sector, but also playing an increasingly significant role in health, education, trade, and the broader economy. The government intends to ensure that citizens from all backgrounds can benefit from the growing impact of AI.
As part of this strategy, the federal cabinet’s approval of the AI policy includes several measures to encourage innovation and inclusive growth. A dedicated fund will be created to support youth-led startups and foster entrepreneurial activity in the AI space. The policy also prioritizes market readiness for the younger generation, with a focus on preparing them for careers that are aligned with current and future market needs. Through projects aimed at spreading AI literacy, the government aims to make AI education accessible to people across all regions and communities.
Shaza Fatima highlighted that data security remains a core component of the policy framework. With the expanding use of AI technologies, there will be increased investment in infrastructure to improve cybersecurity and ensure the protection of citizens’ information. At the same time, the policy underscores Pakistan’s intent to build international partnerships to support the implementation of its AI agenda. Collaborative efforts with key countries are expected to help scale the AI ecosystem by sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices.
Earlier this month, the IT Minister met with Google’s Regional AI Developer Ecosystem and Communities team to explore areas of cooperation in building Pakistan’s AI landscape. During the meeting, the Google team shared insights on their existing community-led initiatives and outlined the contributions of Google Developer Groups (GDGs) in the region. Platforms like Taleemabad were highlighted as examples of how AI-powered solutions are already making an impact in education and digital learning across Pakistan.
The dialogue with Google revolved around expanding grassroots innovation and improving AI adoption across different sectors of the economy. Emphasis was placed on enabling a community-centric approach, supporting local developers, and strengthening capacity for AI-driven problem-solving. The Minister reiterated that the AI policy’s long-term objective is to empower the youth, foster inclusive economic growth, and integrate advanced technology into public services and national infrastructure.
By aligning domestic policy with global trends and fostering collaboration with international tech leaders, the government aims to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation. The AI policy sets the groundwork for integrating artificial intelligence into multiple areas of governance, economic development, and public service delivery while ensuring responsible innovation and data security.
