Pakistan has set ambitious goals under the National AI Policy 2025, aiming to train one million individuals in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2030, develop 10,000 trainers, offer 20,000 internships annually, support 3,000 advanced research scholarships each year, and provide access to computing and data resources for 150 institutions.
By 2027, the government also plans to ensure that 100% of public servants are AI-trained.
According to Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, these efforts will be driven through the National AI Skill Development Program, which will train 200,000 individuals annually, and a “Train-the-Trainer” initiative targeting 10,000 trainers by 2027. Additionally, a High-Tech Internship Program will provide 20,000 annual placements with certification.
The government has also approved wide-ranging education reforms, including the integration of AI in schools and universities, alongside 3,000 postgraduate and doctoral scholarships annually and loans for 15,000 students per year. These initiatives will function under a public-private partnership framework, engaging institutions such as NAVTTC, provincial governments, education boards, private enterprises, and the diaspora community.
To strengthen governance, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has formally begun the process of notifying the Artificial Intelligence Council, which will provide strategic oversight for the implementation of the National AI Policy 2025. A Policy Implementation Cell will also support this framework, while Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) are being established in major cities with auxiliary hubs.
The ministry has launched the National AI Advancement Initiative, which includes a dedicated funding component for AI startups. In line with the policy, a National AI Fund is being set up in consultation with stakeholders, along with a venture fund to address the post-seed financing gap and an Innovation Fund at the Centres of Excellence. Public-private dialogue has already been initiated to shape these funds, providing AI entrepreneurs with access to labs, advisory services, and venture capital incentives.
Highlighting the inclusive aspects of the policy, Shaza Fatima said that marginalized communities will also benefit through DigiSkills programs for women and persons with disabilities, partnerships with organizations like Bait-ul-Maal and Ehsaas, female entrepreneurship incentives, and AI awareness campaigns in local languages.
She emphasized that these steps will help Pakistan accelerate AI adoption, ensuring both technological advancement and inclusivity, while preparing the workforce for the global digital economy.