Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a significant investment of one billion dollars in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2030. Addressing the opening ceremony of Indus AI Week, the Prime Minister emphasized the transformative potential of this investment in establishing a robust AI ecosystem within the country.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister outlined plans to introduce AI curriculum in federally controlled schools, as well as in regions such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan, and most parts of Balochistan. This initiative aims to equip the youth with the skills necessary for leadership roles in the burgeoning digital economy. Furthermore, the government is committed to providing one thousand fully funded PhD scholarships in AI by 2030, with the goal of establishing a world-class research center.
The Prime Minister also announced the launch of a nationwide program to train one million non-IT professionals in AI skills. This initiative seeks to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods by enabling individuals to harness the power of AI. He expressed confidence that Pakistan is fully prepared to engage with the global AI sector and become a valuable partner in this field. Programs will be introduced to transition the youth from IT technicians to AI experts.
Additionally, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that Indus AI Week would significantly impact Pakistan's technological landscape, describing it as a potential game changer. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal echoed this sentiment, stating that Pakistan aims to lead in emerging technologies. He revealed plans to establish national centers focusing on quantum computing, new manufacturing, and nanotechnology, alongside a quantum valley project featuring four specialized science parks.
Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima highlighted Pakistan's commitment to shaping AI in alignment with national priorities, values, and aspirations. She noted that this year marks the implementation of the AI policy introduced in September of the previous year.