Pakistan Launches 12 Industry-Focused AI Working Groups
The federal government has taken a significant step toward digital transformation by approving the formation of 12 sector-specific working groups to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pakistan’s development. With approvals of this kind, reached in a high-level meeting of the National Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, which was headed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, a new era of AI strategy and policy in Pakistan has been established.
Strategic Focus Areas for National Progress
The government has realised that AI is also a strategic imperative, not a technological tool. The priority areas that the newly established working groups will focus on include education, health, agriculture, climate change, business and governance. The groups will comprise the most relevant specialists from governmental institutions, higher education, and the associated private sector, providing them with an innovative and workable strategy.
National AI Fund to Support Innovation and Pilot Projects
The government has established a National AI Fund to accelerate the adoption of AI and facilitate the domestic development of innovative technologies. The fund will provide financial support for potential AI-based pilot projects and creative efforts in Pakistan. It is also meant to bolster local expertise, reduce the use of foreign AI Technology, and develop a stream of scalable specialities that are aligned with national requirements.
Mapping AI Talent and Building National Capacity
With the need to have proper coordination, the Planning Ministry has placed an order for a detailed mapping of AI talent resources. This covers universities, research and development centres and privately owned technological businesses. The outcome will be an inventory of talent and skills, facilitating the linkage of national expertise and development requirements, and accelerating the upskilling of the Pakistani AI workforce.
Stakeholder Engagement and Centres of Excellence
The National Taskforce meeting included leaders from the Ministry of IT, NADRA, PASHA, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and private industry. There is also a National AI Workshop that has been announced to facilitate stakeholder dialogue and the sharing of ideas. Its larger technological leadership is reflected in the government having already set up nine Centres of Excellence in emerging technologies, and started the Quantum Valley Pakistan project.
AI for Sustainable Growth: Vision and Next Steps
Pakistan will regard a sector-specific AI association as institutionalised, a financial support program developed, and capacity constructed to benefit risk and sustainable growth in the economy, and build benefits to society through the use of AI. With this strong government support and public-private partnership, the country is well-positioned to lead the region in the responsible and innovative use of AI.
