Building a highly competitive artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Pakistan requires urgent action. Specifically, the country must invest heavily in a secure, resilient, and high-capacity digital infrastructure. Furthermore, predictable policies and coordinated efforts across both the public and private sectors must support this infrastructure. PTML Chief Technology and AI Officer (CTO), Awais Vohra, highlighted these core requirements during the GSMA Digital Nation Pakistan Ministerial Roundtable on Tuesday.
Speaking at the session titled “Building Trusted Digital Infrastructure for an AI-Driven Economy”, Vohra outlined a clear roadmap for the country. Ultimately, he stressed that AI-driven economic growth completely depends on strengthening Pakistan’s digital foundations through sustained investments and long-term policy backing.
The Building Blocks of a Digital Ecosystem
Developing the necessary digital infrastructure demands continuous financial commitment. Therefore, stakeholders must focus on digital connectivity, network modernization, and improved reliability. Additionally, the industry must develop AI-native capabilities.
However, predictable policy frameworks are absolutely critical to enabling these investments. Vohra specifically identified affordable devices and a reliable power grid as the fundamental building blocks of a successful digital ecosystem. Without these, accelerating AI adoption remains impossible. On a positive note, he welcomed recent spectrum reforms. These reforms successfully paved the way for rolling out next-generation mobile services across Pakistan.
Security & Innovation-Friendly Regulations
As AI becomes deeply embedded across various industries and society, security cannot remain an afterthought. Consequently, PTML CTO Vohra emphasized that cybersecurity and resilience must be built directly into the digital infrastructure from the very beginning.
Moreover, he called for regulatory frameworks that are forward-looking and innovation-friendly. These frameworks should actively facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies. At the same time, they must maintain high standards of security and public trust.
Cross-Sector Collaboration for Economic Growth
Achieving these ambitious objectives will not happen in isolation. Instead, it requires close collaboration among the government, regulators, telecom operators, technology providers, and development partners. Together, these entities must establish a robust digital framework.
Consequently, this collaborative approach will significantly strengthen the broader economy and accelerate digital growth. Furthermore, it will promote the ethical use of AI. Finally, this unified strategy will deliver substantial benefits across critical sectors like education and healthcare, creating lasting value for businesses and communities alike.
