Pakistan bets big on Future as $1 Billion AI Plan set to Transform Agriculture, Industry, and Education
2026-02-09 - 12:16
ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took stage at Indus AI Week 2026 and shared a bold vision for Pakistan’s future, with $1 billion investment planned for Artificial Intelligence AI by 2030. With agriculture, industry, and women’s empowerment set to benefit, Pakistan is stepping into a digital revolution that promises to transform its economy, society, and global standing. The South Asian nation will invest staggering $1 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030, setting the stage for a nationwide technological revolution. Speaking at the launch of Indus AI Week 2026, held from February 9 to 15, the premier hailed the event as “Pakistan’s official platform for AI, where policy, innovation, talent, and investment converge.” “This investment will lay foundation for a thriving AI ecosystem across the country,” the prime minister declared, unveiling a sweeping plan to transform Pakistan into a digital powerhouse. Among the bold initiatives, the government will introduce an AI curriculum not only in all federally-run schools but also across Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and remote areas of Balochistan, ensuring that youth nationwide are prepared for leadership in the digital economy. The premier sheds light on Pakistan’s commitment to cutting-edge research, as he announced 1,000 fully-funded PhD scholarships in AI by 2030, aimed at creating a world-class research infrastructure. In a historic move to upskill the workforce, a nationwide program will train one million non-IT professionals in AI, boosting productivity and opening new career opportunities. Sharif stressed that agriculture, mining, and industry will be key sectors for AI development, adding that youth empowerment is central to the plan. “IT startups and technicians will be transformed into AI experts, unlocking unprecedented gains in agriculture, industry, and women’s economic participation,” he said. Pakistan’s National AI Policy seeks to push AI, improve public services, and spark innovation. Despite delays caused by council reshuffles and provincial coordination challenges, Indus AI Week marks a decisive first step in turning the policy into reality. Sharif reflected on past tech milestones, including Punjab’s laptop distribution scheme, e-libraries, e-stamp systems, land record digitization in partnership with the World Bank, the Safe City project, and Lahore’s first IT university. He praised the digitalization of the Federal Board of Revenue, which has helped curb smuggling and recover lost revenue. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said nations now compete on ideas, talent, and data. IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja added that the government’s nationwide digital master plan will guide Pakistan’s transformation, strengthening ties between universities, government, and international tech leaders. Pakistan’s AI policy: Vision meets reality