Pakistan is making a significant leap into the future of technology by dedicating a major portion of its R&D resources to artificial intelligence. The government has announced the creation of a National AI Fund (NAIF), redirecting 30% of Ignite’s R&D budget to accelerate AI development across the country.

AI Centres of Excellence in Key Cities

As part of this initiative, AI Centres of Excellence will be established in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. These high-tech hubs will serve as collaborative spaces for researchers, students, and tech professionals to build, test, and deploy AI-driven solutions. The focus will be on solving real-world problems—from improving medical diagnostics to enhancing agricultural productivity.

200,000 Pakistanis to Be Trained in AI Annually

A cornerstone of this plan is the National AI Skill Development Program, which aims to train 200,000 individuals per year. Partnering with the Ministry of Education, provincial governments, and private tech firms, the government will offer training programs across urban and rural areas. The curriculum will include machine learning, data science, and ethical AI usage, ensuring that young people are equipped for the digital economy.

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Startup and Innovation Funds to Fuel AI Ecosystem

To support the growing number of AI entrepreneurs, Pakistan will also launch AI Innovation Funds and Venture Capital Funds. These will provide early-stage funding for startups developing AI-powered tools, such as crop disease detection apps and smart education platforms. The goal is to eliminate financial barriers and enable homegrown tech solutions to flourish.

National High-Tech Internship Program

To further nurture talent, a High-Tech Internship Program is being introduced. It will connect students and young professionals with internships in AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and other emerging fields. Interns will gain hands-on experience by working in leading tech firms and research institutions across Pakistan.

A Strategic Move Toward Tech Leadership

With its large youth population and growing digital aspirations, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to become a leader in AI. These strategic initiatives aim to create a sustainable tech ecosystem, empowering citizens with knowledge, tools, and funding to drive innovation from within.

If executed effectively, this could position Pakistan as not just a consumer of global technologies—but as a serious contributor to the global AI landscape.