Pakistan has announced a sweeping national plan to transform its workforce and economy through artificial intelligence, with concrete targets that include training one million AI professionals by 2030 and creating up to three million related jobs nationwide, officials confirmed today.
At an exclusive Ministry of IT & Telecom event, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja reiterated that Pakistan aims not just to adopt AI technologies, but to lead their development and deployment across sectors, from healthcare and agriculture to public services and security.
The national AI strategy, as outlined in official presentations, includes goals such as awarding 3,000 AI scholarships per year, funding 1,000 AI innovation ventures, generating 50+ civic AI projects, and supporting 400 university-led AI initiatives annually. These deliverables are part of the government’s broader ambition to make Pakistan a global AI hub and integrate AI systematically into the country’s socio-economic fabric.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly endorsed the policy’s vision of building a cutting-edge talent pipeline and a competitive digital economy. Cabinet-approved guidelines also call for the establishment of AI Innovation and Venture funds, and an AI Council to oversee implementation, ensuring that public and private stakeholders work hand in hand.
“The Government of Pakistan is steadfast in adopting AI in every aspect of national development,” said a senior official. “This strategy places Pakistan at the forefront of the AI revolution.”
Analysts believe such aggressive upskilling and innovation funding could yield significant returns in productivity, exports, and high-value job creation if implementation keeps pace with ambition.