Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies worldwide and transforming how governments operate and deliver public services. Recognizing its importance, Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, under Professor Ahsan Iqbal’s leadership, is advancing a comprehensive strategy to effectively integrate artificial intelligence into policy-making and governance.
At the annual Conference on Artificial Intelligence for Public Policy and Governance, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted to senior civil servants, policy experts, and academics that artificial intelligence represents a critical driving force for Pakistan. He emphasized that its adoption could usher in a new era of transparency, innovation, and inclusive growth for the country.
Under the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, several key goals have been set to lay a strong foundation for leveraging AI. These include evidence-based policy-making using real-time data for better decision-making, AI-powered public services to ensure citizens have easy, transparent, and effective access to essential facilities, and improved governance for timely anticipation of challenges in areas like climate change, public health, and infrastructure. Additionally, fostering innovation-led exports aims to enhance Pakistan’s global competitiveness.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that adopting artificial intelligence is essential for Pakistan’s future. Integrating AI into governance and development processes can create a more transparent, inclusive, and globally competitive nation.
This initiative aligns with the government’s priority framework centered around five pillars: exports, Digital Pakistan, equal rights, environment, and energy (the 5Es framework). The overall aim is to move beyond pilot projects and achieve nationwide, effective implementation of artificial intelligence. By doing so, the government hopes to boost institutional capacity, shape more effective policies, and prepare Pakistan’s economy to meet the demands of the future.
