ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has officially launched Indus AI Week 2026, a flagship national initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence adoption and innovation across the country. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced the week-long program, scheduled to run from February 9 to 15, 2026, positioning Pakistan as a serious contender in the global AI landscape.
National Platform for AI Advancement
Organized by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through a public-private partnership, Indus AI Week has been conceived as an open and inclusive platform for AI exploration. The initiative is designed to bring together government officials, industry leaders, academia, startups, students, and the general public to strengthen awareness, build capability, and encourage responsible AI adoption across multiple sectors.
Minister Khawaja explicitly invited international partners, investors, and innovators to engage with Pakistan’s growing AI landscape, signaling the country’s readiness to embrace global collaboration in artificial intelligence development.
Building on National AI Policy
The announcement builds upon Pakistan’s National AI Policy introduced in 2025, which established the groundwork for responsible and inclusive AI deployment throughout the nation. Minister Khawaja stated that Indus AI Week reflects Pakistan’s determination to move beyond dialogue and toward adoption, emphasizing the initiative’s practical focus on implementation rather than theoretical discussion.
By connecting policy, industry, and talent, the initiative positions Pakistan as a credible participant in the global AI ecosystem, according to the minister’s official statement.
Week-Long Program Structure
The program will begin with the Indus AI Summit at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre on February 9, followed by an Innovation, Learning and Engagement Arena at the Islamabad Sports Complex on February 9 and 10. The opening summit is expected to set the national AI direction and feature announcements related to public-sector AI deployment.
Throughout the week, from February 9 to 15, universities, companies, public institutions, and ecosystem partners across Pakistan will host co-branded events under the Indus AI Week banner. This decentralized approach ensures national ownership of the initiative, extending far beyond the capital to include major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
Comprehensive Activities and Opportunities
The week’s activities are expected to feature technology showcases, startup spotlights, investor and founder networking, skills training and certification opportunities, gaming and experiential exhibitions, and public-facing engagement sessions. The Innovation, Learning and Engagement Arena at the Islamabad Sports Complex is anticipated to attract thousands of students, developers, and recruiters, serving as a practical marketplace for AI talent and innovation.
The program includes several key components designed to translate AI policy into practical applications. A national technology showcase will highlight local innovations and capabilities, while dedicated sessions will connect startup founders with potential investors. Skills training and certification opportunities aim to build the country’s AI talent pool, addressing the growing demand for AI expertise in the job market.
Inclusive Approach and Accessibility
Officials emphasized that the initiative seeks to ensure AI is not limited to elites but is accessible to the general public, students, and women. A targeted initiative called AI for HER aims to bridge the gender gap in technology, aligning with Pakistan’s broader inclusion agenda to ensure women participate fully in the AI revolution.
The program’s design prioritizes demystifying artificial intelligence and making it understandable and relevant to everyday citizens. Through public engagement activities and open access to various events, organizers hope to broaden AI literacy across different segments of Pakistani society.
Economic and Innovation Objectives
The initiative aims to provide immediate economic opportunities for local talent and founders, facilitated through events like the Uraan AI Techathon 1.0 and dedicated job fairs. Industry showcases will allow companies to demonstrate how AI solutions can address real-world challenges in Pakistani contexts.
The week also seeks to create a feedback loop where government initiatives meet ground-level realities. By bringing startups and policymakers into the same space, the program aims to facilitate discussions on practical solutions that can drive AI adoption in both public and private sectors.
Strategic National Vision
Indus AI Week 2026 represents more than a series of events; it signals a strategic pivot in Pakistan’s digital policy. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into the country’s economic, governance, and social systems, transforming AI from a niche topic into a national productivity engine.
The synchronized workshops, bootcamps, and seminars taking place across multiple cities demonstrate the government’s intention to create a truly national AI movement. This coordinated approach aims to ensure that AI development benefits all regions of Pakistan, not just major urban centers.
International Collaboration and Investment
The explicit invitation to international partners, investors, and innovators underscores Pakistan’s openness to global collaboration in AI development. The government views foreign investment and expertise as crucial components in building a competitive AI ecosystem that can contribute to both national development and the global AI landscape.
With the launch of Indus AI Week 2026, Pakistan positions itself as a country ready to embrace artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of national progress and international collaboration. The initiative represents a comprehensive effort to accelerate AI learning, foster innovation, and create meaningful partnerships that will shape Pakistan’s technological future.
As the February launch date approaches, the tech community, educators, students, and business leaders are preparing for what officials describe as a defining moment in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey.
