Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the global economy, with an estimated $15.7 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP by 2030. Countries like the US, China, the EU, and India have well-defined AI strategies, with over 40 nations implementing national AI policies to drive innovation and economic growth.
However, Pakistan is still in the early stages of AI adoption. The National AI Policy (Draft), developed by the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT), aims to position AI as a key driver of national progress. But how well does Pakistan’s AI strategy align with global trends?
Key AI Initiatives in Pakistan
Pakistan has launched several initiatives to develop AI research, education, and commercialization:
| Initiative | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Initiative for AI & Computing (PIAIC) | 2018 | AI and computing training for students and professionals |
| National Center of AI (NCAI) | 2018 | Research-driven AI development across universities |
| Centre of AI & Computing (CENTAIC) | 2020 | AI research and applications for industries |
| Taskforce on AI (MoITT) | 2023 | Policy recommendations for AI adoption |
| Committee on Generative AI (HEC) | 2024 | Exploring AI’s role in education |
| National AI Policy Committee | 2024 | Drafting AI policy framework and strategy |
Pillars of Pakistan’s National AI Policy (Draft)
The National AI Policy is structured around five key pillars to support AI adoption:
| Pillar | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Market Enablement | Commercialization of AI R&D, digital transformation, open-source data standards |
| Awareness & Readiness | AI skills development, funding for AI projects, digital education |
| Building a Trusted Environment | AI governance, ethical AI principles, legal frameworks |
| Transformation & Evolution | AI adoption roadmap, public-private partnerships, AI-driven industries |
| International Collaboration & Cooperation | Bilateral AI agreements, participation in global AI forums, alignment with international AI standards |
Challenges Hindering AI Growth in Pakistan
Despite policy efforts, Pakistan faces several challenges in AI adoption and integration:
1. Lack of AI Infrastructure & Funding
Countries like the US and China have allocated billions of dollars to AI development. Pakistan, however, lacks a dedicated AI funding mechanism beyond academic grants and pilot projects.
2. Skills Gap & Workforce Readiness
The global demand for AI talent is expected to create 133 million new jobs by 2030. However, Pakistan struggles with a shortage of AI-trained professionals due to outdated STEM education systems.
3. Regulatory & Ethical Concerns
Countries like the EU (AI Act 2024) and China (AI Regulations 2023) are setting global AI governance standards. Pakistan must establish data privacy laws, ethical AI frameworks, and industry regulations to ensure responsible AI usage.
4. Limited Industry Adoption
Unlike developed economies, where AI is widely used in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and security, Pakistan’s private sector adoption remains low due to a lack of incentives and awareness.
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How Can Pakistan Catch Up in the AI Race?
To unlock AI’s full potential, Pakistan needs strong policy implementation, funding, and international partnerships. Key recommendations include:
✅ Establishing an AI Council to oversee AI policy execution and ensure alignment with global standards.
✅ Creating AI Centers of Excellence to drive AI research and commercialization.
✅ Launching a National AI Fund to provide financial incentives for AI startups and innovation.
✅ Developing AI Regulations aligned with global frameworks for ethical AI deployment.
✅ Enhancing AI Education & Training by integrating AI courses into universities and technical institutes.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s AI ambitions are promising, but policy execution remains the biggest challenge. The National AI Policy (Draft) lays a solid foundation, but its success depends on timely implementation, sustainable funding, and collaboration between the government, industry, and academia.
With the global AI race accelerating, Pakistan must act swiftly to address infrastructure gaps, build a skilled workforce, and integrate AI into key industries. Without strategic investments and regulatory clarity, Pakistan risks falling behind in an AI-driven world where technology and innovation dictate economic leadership.
