The Ministry of Planning and Development has officially launched “Uraan AI Techathon 1.0,” Pakistan’s first national-level artificial intelligence competition, under the vision of Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal. This initiative aims to empower youth, students, startups, and experts to develop innovative AI solutions across key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, industry, climate change, and governance.
Uraan AI Techathon 1.0 is positioned not only as a competition but as a nationwide movement to showcase the capabilities of Pakistan’s young talent and propel the country into a leading role in the global race for artificial intelligence. The objective is to encourage the development of practical AI applications that address real-world challenges and foster technological advancement within the country.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the urgency of embracing AI, stating that artificial intelligence is not just the future but the present, with critical decisions now being made by algorithms rather than economies. He underscored the necessity for Pakistan to actively participate in this technological revolution to avoid dependence on others, urging the country to position itself as an emerging leader rather than a mere observer.
The Techathon marks a flagship initiative of the Uraan Pakistan National Innovation Mission, which is part of a larger vision to transform Pakistan into a trillion-dollar economy by 2035. Registration for the event has begun and will remain open through an online portal until September 18, 2025, inviting enthusiastic participation from across the nation.
