Pakistan endorses AI Policy 2025 to generate employment opportunities for youth, improve public services
Pakistan has taken a significant step towards the future with the approval of its National AI Policy 2025. This policy aims to democratize access to artificial intelligence (AI), foster innovation, and create employment opportunities for the youth.
The policy, announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, sets a bold goal of training one million AI professionals by 2030. To achieve this, an AI Innovation Fund and an AI Venture Fund will be established to stimulate private sector participation.
The policy also focuses on enhancing public services and generating employment opportunities for the youth. To this end, it aims to create 50,000 AI-driven civic projects and 1,000 local AI products in the next five years.
In line with the government’s broader 'Digital Pakistan' initiative, the AI Policy emphasizes expanding broadband and 5G infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and supporting tech startups and export-driven IT sectors.
The policy also places a strong emphasis on ensuring the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities through accessible education and financing.
The AI Policy promotes a secure and inclusive AI environment, establishing policies for AI safety, ethics, and regulation. It also encourages AI-driven modernization of industries and government services, positioning AI as a strategic economic driver to boost innovation and competitiveness.
By tapping into an estimated $2.7 billion AI market, Pakistan aims to increase GDP growth by up to 12%. This policy aligns with the government’s ambitions to position Pakistan as a regional hub for AI and technology.
However, experts have highlighted that Pakistan currently lags behind regional peers in AI readiness. To address this, the policy requires more structured and comprehensive implementation plans, including enhanced vocational training and regulation to manage AI risks such as misinformation and harmful content.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025 aims to catalyze AI-driven growth by building human capital, enabling innovation, and strengthening digital infrastructure, while fostering a secure and inclusive AI environment. This policy underscores the government’s commitment to providing opportunities in the field of AI for the youth and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global AI landscape.
[1] The Associated Press of Pakistan reported on the approval of the AI Policy. [2] The policy was approved during a meeting of the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. [3] Source: Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. [4] Source: Pakistan's Ministry of Science and Technology. [5] Source: McKinsey & Company report on AI readiness in Pakistan.
- The National AI Policy 2025 in Pakistan intends to build human capital by training one million AI professionals by 2030, as reported by The Associated Press of Pakistan.
- To achieve this goal, the policy will establish an AI Innovation Fund and an AI Venture Fund, encouraging private sector participation.
- In addition to improving public services and creating employment opportunities, the policy also promotes digital literacy, supporting tech startups, and expanding broadband and 5G infrastructure.
- To ensure a secure and inclusive AI environment, the policy emphasizes policies for AI safety, ethics, and regulation, and aims to address AI readiness gaps, especially in light of Pakistan currently lagging behind regional peers in this area.
