The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has started a major national effort to strengthen artificial intelligence skills in Pakistan. The government plans to train 20,000 people in AI-related fields through online learning within the next 6 to 12 months.
To run this programme, MoITT has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) under the National AI Advancement Initiative (NAIAI). This initiative is designed to help Pakistan build a stronger position in the global AI space and develop a skilled digital workforce.
According to official documents, the selected company or consortium will handle the full training system. This includes course design, learning management systems, trainee registration portals, expert trainers, assessments, and certifications.
The programme aligns with Pakistan’s Digital Vision and National AI Policy. It aims to prepare talent across multiple sectors, including academia, government, and private industry. Participants will include students, teachers, government employees, business leaders, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals from fields like healthcare, agriculture, and fintech.
Officials said the training will focus on key AI areas such as machine learning, deep learning, AI ethics, and basic AI literacy. In addition, the programme will promote responsible and inclusive use of artificial intelligence across industries. Bidders must design course structures and schedules for different groups of learners. Each training module will last between 18 and 24 hours and will be delivered online.
The ministry has also set a requirement to ensure nationwide access. At least 30 percent of participants must be women. Selection will be managed through a dedicated online portal in coordination with MoITT. Industry experts believe this is one of Pakistan’s largest government-led AI training efforts so far. It is expected to create a strong base of skilled professionals for the growing digital economy.
The selected bidder will go through a quality and cost-based evaluation process. Technical proposals will carry 80 percent weight, while financial bids will hold 20 percent. Only companies scoring at least 70 percent in the technical stage will move forward.
The evaluation will focus on financial strength, trainer quality, LMS capability, execution plan, past training experience, and international certifications of instructors.
Companies must also show at least three years of experience in IT or IT-enabled training services. They need an annual revenue of at least Rs50 million over the last three years. In addition, a minimum of 10 qualified trainers must be assigned to the project.
To take part in the bidding process, firms must submit a bid security of Rs2 million in favor of the Ministry of IT and Telecom. The winning company will also provide a performance guarantee equal to 10 percent of the contract value.
The deadline for submission is June 8, 2026. Technical bids will be opened on the same day through the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority’s EPADS 2.0 platform.
Officials said this programme is part of a wider effort to prepare Pakistan’s workforce for the fast-changing digital economy. It also aims to build a long-term AI ecosystem that supports innovation and economic growth.
