In a landmark move, the federal cabinet of Pakistan has approved the country’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, aimed at creating a hybrid intelligence ecosystem that enhances human potential and promotes the equitable, responsible, and transparent use of AI technologies.
Chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the cabinet meeting endorsed the AI policy prepared by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The initiative acknowledges that currently, less than 10% of professionals in the computing and IT sectors are skilled in AI and its allied technologies.
Key Objective: Training 1 Million in AI Skills by 2027
The policy sets an ambitious goal of training 1 million new and existing IT professionals in high-impact applied AI skills by 2027. To support this large-scale transformation, the government will recruit and develop at least 10,000 new AI trainers. The focus is on delivering education through sustainable, modern learning models including online platforms and bootcamps.
Comprehensive Ecosystem for AI Enablement
The framework outlines a holistic AI-enabling ecosystem that addresses awareness, education, ethical standards, and accessibility. The policy is structured around a four-pillar approach that guides the adoption and growth of AI across sectors:
Pillar 1: Enabling AI through Awareness and Readiness
This pillar focuses on creating public awareness of AI’s benefits and building societal readiness. It includes nationwide AI awareness campaigns, development of relevant academic curricula, enhancement of AI-related research, and workforce upskilling through MOOCs and short courses.
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Pillar 2: AI Market Enablement
This segment aims to establish a supportive ecosystem for the development and deployment of AI technologies. It addresses key challenges such as data accessibility, standardization, and computing infrastructure while also supporting startups and research initiatives.
Pillar 3: Building a Progressive and Trusted Environment
The third pillar emphasizes the need for data privacy, ethical AI use, and regulatory measures. It targets both individual and organizational data protection, building trust in AI solutions by promoting responsible innovation.
Pillar 4: Transformation and Evolution
This final pillar lays out roadmaps for AI integration across public and private sectors. It supports industry transformation, policy sandboxing for innovation, and strategic evolution to ensure alignment with international AI trends and standards.
National AI Targets: A Vision for Inclusive Growth
The policy outlines clear, measurable, and inclusive targets based on international best practices. These objectives are designed to be realistic, agile, and impactful, with built-in flexibility for periodic review and improvement. The goal is to position Pakistan as a credible player in the global AI landscape by aligning local efforts with global development agendas.
With this comprehensive framework, Pakistan embarks on a transformative journey to harness the potential of artificial intelligence, aiming not only to modernize its digital infrastructure but also to empower its people for the future.
