Ahsan Iqbal Urges Inclusive AI Strategy and Public-Private Partnerships for Pakistan’s Development

Ahsan Iqbal Advocates for Inclusive AI Strategies and Cross-Sector Collaboration in Pakistan

Islamabad: July 3, 2025 — Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, led a National Taskforce meeting focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). He emphasized the need for a clear, inclusive national strategy to integrate AI across Pakistan’s key development sectors.

With global investments in AI growing steadily, the Minister stressed that Pakistan must act with purpose and coordination. He highlighted that AI adoption requires cooperation across sectors, alignment with national objectives, and effective coordination among institutions.

Targeting Key Sectors with Dedicated Working Groups

The Taskforce has been tasked with identifying twelve priority sectors where AI can deliver measurable benefits. These include education, health, agriculture, climate, business, and governance. Each sector will form a multi-stakeholder group drawing from government, academia, and the private sector.

These groups will develop sector-specific AI roadmaps outlining clear goals, timelines, and resource needs. This approach aims to ensure Pakistan keeps pace with technological developments while addressing local challenges effectively.

National AI Fund to Boost Innovation and Pilots

To encourage innovation and tackle funding barriers, the Minister directed the creation of a National AI Fund. This fund will support promising AI projects and pilot initiatives. Additionally, a comprehensive exercise will map AI talent and resources across universities, research centers, and industry.

This mapping will help deploy Pakistan’s AI assets strategically and enhance collaboration among stakeholders.

Bringing Stakeholders Together for Practical AI Solutions

The Taskforce will organize a national AI workshop in partnership with PASHA and other industry bodies. This event will bring government officials, academics, and private sector leaders together to discuss practical AI applications tailored to Pakistan’s development needs.

The meeting included Minister of State for IT & Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja; Dr. Yasar Ayaz, Project Director of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence; senior officials from the Ministry of IT, NADRA, PASHA; and leading private sector representatives.

Progress So Far and Future Outlook

Under the Prime Minister’s vision and Minister Iqbal’s leadership, Pakistan has made significant strides in AI. Nine Centers of Excellence have been set up in major universities, focusing on AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Robotics, and Quantum Computing. The Quantum Valley Pakistan initiative is also underway to develop future competencies in advanced technologies.

These efforts demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to developing AI capabilities through innovation, collaboration, and inclusive governance.

• Key priorities: Inclusive AI roadmaps, sector champions, public-private collaboration
• Focus sectors: Education, health, agriculture, climate, business, governance, and more
• Support mechanisms: National AI Fund and talent/resource mapping
• Upcoming events: National AI workshop with PASHA and industry partners

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