Pakistan sets 10-year AI vision in motion

July 07, 2025 (MLN): To integrate AI into Pakistan’s development agenda, a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fund and a comprehensive 10-year roadmap have been launched by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal.

Chairing a meeting of the National Task Force on Artificial Intelligence in Islamabad, the Minister highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral strategy to embed AI within key national sectors.

Stressing that AI adoption cannot progress in isolation, Iqbal emphasized the importance of alignment with national priorities and effective collaboration across all relevant institutions.

“It’s time for Pakistan to move forward with clarity and purpose,” he stated, referencing the rising global investment in AI and the need for Pakistan to stay competitive.

Established in April 2023, the National Task Force is working to finalize a long-term plan aimed at accelerating AI deployment across twelve critical sectors, including education, health, agriculture, climate, business, and governance.

For each sector, multi-stakeholder working groups comprising government officials, academia, and industry leaders will design sector-specific roadmaps with clear goals and timelines.

To support innovation and practical adoption, the newly announced National AI Fund will finance high-potential ideas and pilot projects, according to the press release issued.

The Minister also directed a nationwide mapping exercise to assess AI talent, research infrastructure, and resource availability, to guide future policy and investments.

Furthermore, the task force has been instructed to organize a national AI workshop in collaboration with the Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA) and other stakeholders.

This initiative aims to generate practical, locally relevant AI solutions to address Pakistan’s unique development challenges.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Ahsan Iqbal stated that Pakistan must not be left behind in the global race for AI and technological leadership.

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