Pakistan on Monday announced plans to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence by 2030, underscoring the government’s ambition to keep pace with rapid global technological advancements and position the country as a competitive digital economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the initiative while inaugurating The Indus AI Week 2026 in Islamabad, describing the event as Pakistan’s official national platform for artificial intelligence, where policy, innovation, talent, and investment converge.
“The Government of Pakistan is committed to investing $1 billion in AI by 2030, which will go a long way in building a robust AI ecosystem in our country,” Sharif said in his address.
As part of the plan, Pakistan will introduce AI curricula in all federally administered schools across Islamabad, Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
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The aim is to prepare a pipeline of skilled students, tech experts and technicians capable of contributing to the country’s growing digital economy.
The prime minister also announced 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in artificial intelligence to be awarded nationwide by 2030, a move he said would help establish world-class research centers in the country.
In addition, a nationwide training program will be launched to equip one million non-IT professionals with AI skills, enabling them to boost productivity and improve livelihoods.
“Last but not least, we will train one million non-IT professionals in AI skills to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods,” Sharif said.
The AI initiative would also support development in remote areas, including the strategically pivotal Balochistan province, and help prepare Pakistan’s youth for leadership roles in the digital economy.
Pakistan is often cited as a country with significant human capital and potential to transform emerging technologies into export-driven growth.
Experts note that nearly 60 percent of the population is comprised of young people who can quickly adapt to new technologies and work effectively in English, providing a strong foundation for digital expansion.
However, analysts also stress the need for enabling policies, including tax incentives and the removal of barriers to IT growth.
After several years of sluggish performance, Pakistan’s exports rebounded sharply, nearing $4 billion in 2025, providing fresh momentum for technology-led growth.
Sharif said AI-driven innovation would also play a critical role in boosting agricultural productivity and capitalizing on the country’s mineral resources.
The announcement builds on the National AI Policy approved in July 2025, which aims to democratize access to artificial intelligence, expand public services, and create new opportunities for employment and innovation across the country.
Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.
