Revolutionary Steps in Artificial Intelligence and Pilgrimage Services
Islamabad — In a landmark meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federal cabinet approved two major policy reforms on Wednesday — the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025 and Haj Policy 2026 — marking a decisive push towards digital transformation and service enhancement in Pakistan.
A New Era of Artificial Intelligence in Pakistan
The National AI Policy 2025 aims to establish a comprehensive ecosystem to empower youth, drive innovation, and improve governance through technology. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the cabinet, declared:
“Our youth are Pakistan’s greatest asset. Providing them with education, skills, and equal opportunities in AI is a top priority.”
Key features of the policy include:
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Training 1 million AI professionals by 2030
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Establishing an AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund
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Launching 50,000 civic AI projects and developing 1,000 indigenous AI products in five years
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Distributing 3,000 AI scholarships annually and backing 1,000 research projects
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Promoting inclusivity through accessible education for women and differently-abled individuals
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Strengthening cybersecurity and national data protection measures
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Encouraging global partnerships and international AI standards compliance
An AI Council, supported by a master implementation plan, will ensure the policy’s smooth execution.
Earlier this month, local AI platform SOCByte launched Pakistan’s first AI-powered cybersecurity initiative, and in May, the Ministry of Finance allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. The Supreme Court, in April, also recognised AI’s potential to revolutionise Pakistan’s judicial system — urging ethical integration.
