Pakistan Accelerates Efforts for AI Integration, Forms Task Force to Develop National Strategy
In a significant step toward harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for national development, Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, chaired an essential meeting of the National Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. The meeting emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy and clear roadmap to integrate AI across various development sectors in Pakistan.
Highlighting the rapid rise in global investment in artificial intelligence, Minister Iqbal stressed that Pakistan needs immediate strategic planning and practical steps aligned with national priorities. He directed the National Task Force on AI to identify 12 priority sectors—including education, healthcare, agriculture, climate change, business, and governance—where AI technologies can significantly enhance performance and provide beneficial outcomes.
The task force was instructed to set up dedicated working groups for each identified sector. These groups will consist of leading experts representing the government, private sector, and academia. Each working group will be tasked with developing a detailed AI roadmap for its respective sector, clearly outlining objectives, timelines, and required resources.
Furthermore, Minister Iqbal directed establishing a National AI Fund aimed at stimulating innovation and reducing funding barriers. This dedicated fund will support AI-driven projects and promising ideas with potential to generate positive socio-economic outcomes.
Additionally, the minister emphasized the importance of mapping existing capabilities, expertise, and resources related to artificial intelligence in Pakistan, ensuring optimal utilization of universities, research institutions, and industry experts. Such a comprehensive assessment will facilitate strategic deployment of talent and resources for enhanced national development.
These initiatives are fully aligned with Prime Minister of Pakistan’s vision and the government’s strong commitment to leveraging advanced technology for economic transformation. In this context, several key projects including nine Centers of Excellence and Quantum Valley Pakistan were initiated earlier, underscoring national seriousness towards technological advancements.
The meeting saw active participation from prominent stakeholders, including Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Dr. Yasar Ayaz (Project Director, National Center for AI), and senior representatives from the Ministry of IT, NADRA, P@SHA, and private-sector experts. Speakers and participants collectively reiterated their commitment towards accelerating the adoption and integration of AI at a national level.
