Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used the inauguration of Indus AI Week 2026 in Islamabad to unveil a $1 billion national AI programme slated for completion by 2030, aiming to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem across Pakistan.
Key Announcements
- Investment: $1 billion earmarked for artificial‑intelligence development by 2030.
- Education: An AI curriculum will be introduced in all federally run schools and in institutions across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit‑Baltistan and remote parts of Balochistan.
- Scholarships: 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in AI will be awarded nationwide by 2030.
- Workforce Upskilling: A programme to train one million non‑IT professionals in AI skills.
- Sector Focus: Priority deployment in agriculture, mines and minerals, and youth empowerment.
Indus AI Week 2026 – Two Cities, One Vision
The Islamabad ceremony was attended by federal ministers and delegations from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and other nations. A parallel event in Sindh took place at Karachi’s NED University of Engineering and Technology under the theme “Artificial Intelligence for National Development”. Participants included Ali Rashid, Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister for Science and IT, as well as representatives from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, MQM‑Pakistan and the ISPR.
Panel discussions in Karachi covered AI integration in public policy, governance transformation, national security, academia‑industry collaboration, responsible AI deployment and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amount has the government pledged for AI development?
The government announced a commitment of $1 billion to be invested in artificial intelligence by 2030.
How many professionals will receive AI training?
A nationwide programme will train one million non‑IT professionals in AI skills.
Which sectors are targeted for AI deployment?
The prime minister highlighted agriculture, mines and minerals, and youth empowerment as the main focus areas for AI applications.
How do you think these AI initiatives could reshape Pakistan’s economy in the coming years?
