Pakistan’s long-awaited Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy is on the verge of official approval, announced Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja at a recent seminar at Quaid-i-Azam University. Finalized after a year of consultations with domestic and international experts, the policy focuses on six core areas: innovation, awareness, infrastructure, AI ethics and safety, sectoral transformation, and global cooperation.
Reaffirming the government’s strong commitment, the minister emphasized the urgency of putting the policy into action. She invited all stakeholders academia, industry, tech experts, and civil society to contribute actively to refining and implementing the framework. Feedback is welcomed through email and social media, reflecting an inclusive and transparent approach.
Highlighting Pakistan’s readiness to embrace technological change, Shaza Fatima encouraged unity, collaboration, and an end to limited mindsets. She commended the presence of many women at the event, calling their inclusion essential for sustainable national growth.
The minister revealed that over 350,000 youth have already received training through programs conducted by PSEB, Ignite, NAVTTC, HEC, and global partners like Google, Huawei, and Microsoft. The goal is to ensure every IT graduate is job-ready or empowered to launch a startup. Substantial funding has been earmarked in the national budget and development programs to boost digital employment and entrepreneurship.
Shaza Fatima also celebrated the success of Pakistan’s first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Forum, which attracted delegates from 45 countries and resulted in $700 million in signed MoUs. Organized in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Digital Cooperation Organization, the forum positioned Pakistan as a rising digital economy with multi-sectoral potential.
The launch of the Pakistan Startup Fund, especially for AI-driven ventures, was also announced. It is set to become one of the government’s largest platforms for research, innovation, and early-stage product development. The minister urged local innovation centers and firms to seek international collaborations, assuring them that both funding and global interest are within reach—provided Pakistan works as one cohesive force.
