The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved the introduction of a mandatory 3-credit-hour Artificial Intelligence (AI) course in universities across Pakistan, marking a significant step toward integrating emerging technologies into higher education.
The course, titled “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,” will be incorporated into relevant degree programs at public-sector universities in line with the HEC’s latest policy directives.
According to officials, the decision was endorsed during a consultative meeting of vice-chancellors and aims to equip students with essential AI knowledge and future-ready digital skills.
Universities have been instructed to begin incorporating the course into their curricula immediately, with implementation expected to take place in phases across relevant academic disciplines.
To support the initiative, Information Technology University has developed three proposed course modules. The outlines were approved during the 45th meeting of the Higher Education Commission and have since been shared with public universities for adoption.
In addition, a formal notification has been issued to public-sector universities in Punjab, encouraging institutions to accelerate the integration of AI education into academic programs.
Education officials said the move reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the global economy and is intended to prepare graduates for evolving workplace demands driven by technological innovation.
The introduction of a standardized AI course is expected to provide students with foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data-driven technologies, and their applications across various industries.
HEC officials emphasized that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to modernize higher education, strengthen digital literacy, and ensure that Pakistani graduates remain competitive in an increasingly technology-focused world.
The policy is also expected to encourage greater interest in emerging technologies and support the development of a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Pakistan’s digital transformation and innovation ecosystem.
