Pakistan is positioning itself for a major leap into the future of technology as the federal government unveils an ambitious national strategy centered on artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared that Pakistan is no longer content with following global technological trends but is now preparing to actively participate in — and contribute to — the next wave of digital transformation shaping the world.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Indus AI Week 2026, the prime minister outlined a far-reaching vision that places artificial intelligence at the heart of Pakistan’s economic, educational, and governance reforms. The event was attended by senior federal ministers, technology experts, and international delegations from several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, reflecting growing global interest in Pakistan’s digital ambitions.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that Pakistan will allocate one billion dollars toward artificial intelligence development by the year 2030. This investment, he explained, is intended to lay the foundations of a comprehensive national AI ecosystem that can support innovation, research, industry growth, and public-sector modernization.
He emphasized that the funding commitment is not symbolic but strategic, aimed at creating sustainable infrastructure that enables Pakistan to compete in a technology-driven global economy. According to the prime minister, artificial intelligence will serve as a transformative force across multiple sectors, helping Pakistan overcome longstanding structural challenges while unlocking new opportunities for growth.
Education emerged as a central pillar of the government’s AI roadmap. Shehbaz Sharif announced that artificial intelligence will be formally integrated into the curriculum of all federally administered schools. This initiative will extend beyond major urban centers to include educational institutions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and underserved regions of Balochistan, ensuring that students in remote and marginalized areas are not left behind in the digital revolution.
The prime minister stressed that preparing young Pakistanis for leadership roles in the digital economy requires early exposure to advanced technologies. By embedding AI education at the school level, the government aims to nurture critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technological literacy from an early age.
To strengthen Pakistan’s research capacity, Shehbaz Sharif also announced a major scholarship programme. Under this initiative, one thousand fully funded doctoral scholarships in artificial intelligence will be awarded to students from across the country by 2030. These scholarships will support advanced research and contribute to the development of world-class national research centers equipped with modern facilities and international collaborations.
Beyond academia and research, the government is targeting large-scale skill development to ensure that artificial intelligence benefits the wider population. The prime minister revealed plans for a nationwide programme designed to train one million professionals who do not currently belong to the IT sector. By equipping them with AI-related skills, the government hopes to boost productivity, enhance employability, and improve living standards across diverse professions.
Highlighting the demographic realities of the country, Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan’s population stands at approximately 240 million, with nearly sixty percent comprising young people. He described this youthful population as Pakistan’s greatest asset, provided it is equipped with modern knowledge, digital tools, and relevant technical skills.
The prime minister outlined priority sectors where artificial intelligence will be deployed on a large scale. Agriculture was identified as a key focus area, where AI-driven solutions can improve crop yields, enhance quality control, optimize water usage, and increase overall efficiency. Mines and minerals were also highlighted as sectors with untapped potential that can be unlocked through advanced data analysis, automation, and smart exploration technologies.
Youth empowerment, Shehbaz said, remains central to the government’s vision. By aligning AI initiatives with employment generation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the government aims to ensure that young people become active contributors to national development rather than passive observers of technological change.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s digital journey, the prime minister recalled earlier reform efforts undertaken during the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. He noted that significant steps were taken over the years to modernize governance and public services, particularly during his own tenure as chief minister of Punjab.
He cited large-scale investments in education, healthcare, revenue reforms, and youth-focused programmes as examples of how earlier governments sought to align Pakistan with evolving global standards. Among these initiatives was the launch of a landmark laptop distribution programme beginning in 2010, under which hundreds of thousands of high-performing students in schools and colleges received laptops to support digital learning.
According to Shehbaz Sharif, at least half a million laptops were distributed during his time in Punjab as well as during the federal government led by Nawaz Sharif. This initiative, he said, helped bridge the digital divide and introduced a generation of students to technology-driven education.
The prime minister also highlighted the introduction of electronic libraries in schools, including in remote areas of Punjab — an idea that was once considered impractical. These digital libraries, he said, expanded access to knowledge and resources for students who previously had limited educational facilities.
He further recalled governance reforms aimed at transparency and accountability, including the introduction of e-stamp papers to reduce fraud, collusion, and revenue leakage. The Punjab Land Digitisation Plan, implemented with support from the World Bank, was cited as another milestone that eliminated manipulation of land records and curbed corruption within revenue departments.
Shehbaz Sharif also pointed to the establishment of Pakistan’s first Safe City project in Lahore, which utilized surveillance and data systems to enhance urban security. Additionally, the country’s first dedicated IT university was set up in Lahore, laying the groundwork for specialized technology education.
Drawing lessons from these experiences, the prime minister said Pakistan is now prepared to take a decisive step into the era of artificial intelligence. He formally announced a set of nationwide measures designed to ensure that AI adoption is inclusive, well-regulated, and aligned with national priorities.
Addressing apprehensions within the technology community, Shehbaz reassured startups and IT professionals that artificial intelligence should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat. He stated that government-led programmes would focus on upskilling existing IT technicians, enabling them to transition into AI specialists and advanced technology roles.
The prime minister underscored that the impact of artificial intelligence will extend beyond technology firms. AI-driven advancements, he said, will benefit industry, commerce, trade, women-led innovation, and multiple other sectors of the economy.
He also emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to international cooperation in the AI domain, assuring global partners that the country would be a reliable and responsible collaborator. Collaboration with friendly nations, he said, would be essential for knowledge sharing, research partnerships, and responsible AI governance.
Citing parallel digital reforms, Shehbaz Sharif noted that the Federal Board of Revenue has undergone extensive digitisation, resulting in improved efficiency and performance. He added that modern technology has played a key role in curbing smuggling, with scanners and digital monitoring systems installed at ports across the country.
According to the prime minister, lost revenues and tax evasion facilitated through collusion are now being recovered through advanced technology platforms. These reforms, he said, demonstrate how digital tools can strengthen state institutions and improve economic management.
In addition to AI-specific initiatives, the government is providing targeted training programmes for young men and women in agriculture, commerce, trade, and other priority areas under Pakistan’s broader economic agenda.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that Pakistan’s journey toward technological transformation will not be without challenges. However, he said the nation’s determination remains strong and unwavering. With sustained effort, strategic planning, and global cooperation, he expressed confidence that Pakistan will continue moving forward until it secures its rightful position among the community of nations in the digital age.