Pakistan has launched its first National Artificial Intelligence Policy, aiming to train 1 million AI professionals by 2030. The policy will establish an AI ecosystem and integrate AI into public services.
National AI Policy: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a symbol of not just technological advancement but also global competition. In this race, Pakistan has now launched its first National AI Policy 2025. Interestingly, Pakistan's announcement comes at a time when India has announced the opening of AI labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and training 150,000 students. Now the question arises — can Pakistan really compete with India in this race, or is it just a showy strategy?
What is Pakistan's National AI Policy 2025?
The Cabinet of Pakistan recently approved the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025. The aim of this policy is to create a b AI Ecosystem in the country, which will not only lead to technological development but also create new employment opportunities for the youth. This policy has been prepared by Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT). It has been passed under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is expected to be implemented in the next few months.
Main Objectives of the Policy
- Train 1 million AI professionals by 2030.
- Develop 1000 homegrown AI products.
- Implement 50,000 AI-based public service projects.
- Provide AI scholarships every year, especially for women and people with disabilities.
- Establish an AI Innovation Fund and Venture Fund.
Claim of 'New Thinking' Through Technology
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, "Our youth are our greatest resource. Training them in modern technology like AI can multiply the country's strength in the future." This statement shows that Pakistan is now prioritizing investment in technology, moving away from traditional thinking.
AI Council to Play a Key Role
To effectively implement the policy, the Government of Pakistan will establish an independent 'AI Council'. This council will prepare policy guidelines and help in implementing various aspects of the policy under the National Master Plan and Action Matrix.
The responsibilities of this council will include:
- Implementing international AI standards
- Monitoring data protection and cyber security
- Monitoring the ethical use of AI
- Creating cooperation between the private and public sectors
India vs Pakistan: Who is Ahead?
India had already launched AI Mission India in 2024, under which there is a plan to train students by building AI labs across the country. India has already connected millions of youths to AI and other technologies through campaigns like Digital India, Startup India, and Skill India. In India, giant companies like NVIDIA, Google, and Microsoft are actively investing in AI research. On the other hand, Pakistan neither has that much technical capability right now nor does the participation of the private sector seem that b.
What are the Challenges Facing Pakistan?
- Infrastructure: There is still a huge lack of internet and digital connectivity in the rural and remote areas of Pakistan.
- Funding Problem: A large part of the budget goes into security and debt payments. It will not be easy to make heavy investments in AI.
- Skill Gap: Currently, there is a huge shortage of trained people in the field of AI.
- Political instability and lack of policy continuity can also be a major challenge.
Emphasis on Data Security and Ethical AI
As fast as AI technology is growing, it has become equally important to pay attention to data security and ethics. The Government of Pakistan has also taken this seriously and this policy specifically includes guidelines for data privacy, ethical AI, and cyber security.
