Pakistan targets $1bn AI economy with nationwide digital push

April 15, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is fast-tracking its artificial intelligence (AI) transformation under a national roadmap that positions the technology as a central pillar of future economic growth, backed by a proposed $1 billion investment target by 2030.

The government has formally declared AI a priority sector, with a comprehensive strategy focused on education, workforce development, innovation, and startup creation.

At the core of this national shift is a large-scale effort to build an AI-ready talent pipeline across all levels of education. AI curricula have been introduced in federal schools, with plans to gradually extend access to remote and underserved regions to ensure early digital literacy nationwide.

To strengthen advanced capabilities, the government is also planning 1,000 fully funded AI scholarships by 2030, aimed at producing engineers, researchers, and specialists capable of contributing to next-generation technologies.

Alongside this, a nationwide upskilling initiative is targeting 1 million non-IT professionals, embedding AI competencies across sectors such as finance, business, governance, and public services, according to APP.

Recent momentum in this direction was demonstrated through the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s National AI Training Programme during Indus AI Week, where participation surged from an initial 600 trainees to over 2,000 due to strong demand, highlighting growing public interest in AI education.

Inclusivity has also been a key focus, with the “AI for HER” initiative training more than 500 women and girls while showcasing 10 women-led AI startups across multiple cities, reinforcing efforts to close the gender gap in emerging technologies.

Building on these initiatives, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), in partnership with Google for Developers, Telenor Pakistan, and Innovista, has introduced AI Seekho 2026, a nationwide AI upskilling movement designed to introduce hands-on “vibe coding” using tools such as Google AI Studio and Antigravity.

The programme focuses on practical AI development, enabling participants to build applications, games, and real-world solutions. It also includes hackathons and offers a Rs2.5m prize pool to encourage innovation and competition among learners.

A key feature of AI Seekho 2026 is its integration with Pakistan’s broader innovation ecosystem. Participants will be linked with National Incubation Centers supporting more than 1,900 startups, the Pakistan Startup Fund, and global freelancing platforms creating pathways from training to economic opportunity.

During the launch session, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Khawaja emphasized the government’s commitment to accessibility, stating that Pakistan’s youth possess immense potential and should have widespread access to AI training opportunities.

The programme also aligns with the National AI Advancement Initiative, which aims to deliver 20,000 AI trainings nationwide and establish AI hubs across the country as part of a long-term digital transformation strategy.

Under the broader “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision, the Prime Minister has directed a structural shift toward an AI-driven economy, integrating artificial intelligence into education systems, workforce development programs, and innovation ecosystems to boost productivity and global competitiveness.

Industry partners highlighted the initiative as a major step toward digital inclusion and innovation leadership.

Telenor Pakistan CEO Awais Vohra said AI Seekho aims to democratize access to AI education and empower young people to become creators of technology rather than passive users, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a digitally inclusive ecosystem.

Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan and Frontier Markets, Farhan Qureshi, expressed confidence in Pakistan’s digital potential, noting that expanding AI skills is essential for strengthening participation in global freelance, gaming, and tech markets.

Amit Vadi, Head of Community at Google DeepMind DevX, emphasized a “responsibility-first” approach to AI development, highlighting the importance of safety, ethics, and global responsibility in building advanced AI systems.

Innovista CEO Hisham Sarwar noted that Pakistan is at a turning point, where its strong freelance economy can evolve into high-value innovation and AI-driven entrepreneurship, with initiatives like AI Seekho serving as a bridge toward becoming a global AI powerhouse.

With its focus on education, inclusion, and economic integration, AI Seekho 2026 represents a major step in translating Pakistan’s AI ambitions into practical outcomes empowering a new generation to build, innovate, and compete in the global digital economy.

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