Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, chaired a key meeting of the National Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI), directing the preparation of a comprehensive national strategy and roadmap for integrating AI across various critical sectors in Pakistan.
During the meeting, Minister Iqbal emphasized the urgent need for coherent policy-making and practical measures to integrate AI effectively into Pakistan’s key developmental sectors. “Investment in artificial intelligence is growing rapidly across the globe. Pakistan must develop a clear roadmap and prioritize actions in line with national objectives,” he stated.
The minister instructed the National Task Force to identify twelve priority areas where AI can meaningfully contribute to national development. These sectors include education, health, agriculture, climate change, business, governance, among others. He further issued directions to form specialized working groups comprising experts representing government organizations, private sector entities, and academic institutions for each identified sector.
Each working group will be responsible for drafting a detailed AI integration roadmap for its respective area, clearly outlining objectives, timelines, and resource requirements. This comprehensive planning will facilitate targeted and measurable implementation of AI technologies, aiming to bolster productivity, efficiency, and innovation.
Moreover, Minister Iqbal instructed the establishment of a National AI Fund designed to encourage innovation and reduce funding barriers. This dedicated fund will support projects and ideas demonstrating strong potential and positive societal impact through artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, the minister called for a complete nationwide mapping of Pakistan’s existing AI capacities, resources, and expertise. This initiative will help effectively harness available talent from universities, research institutions, and industry, optimizing collaboration among stakeholders.
These proactive measures reflect the Prime Minister’s vision and the government’s commitment to transforming the national economy through technology-led advancements. Notably, projects such as nine Centers of Excellence and Quantum Valley Pakistan have already been initiated, underscoring governmental dedication towards technological and economic transformation.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Dr. Yasar Ayaz, Project Director at the National Center for AI, senior officials from the Ministry of IT, representatives from NADRA and P@SHA, and top specialists from the private sector. Participants reaffirmed their collective resolve towards accelerating national-scale adoption of artificial intelligence to ensure long-term economic and social prosperity.
