Pakistan accelerates cooperation with Alibaba Group on artificial intelligence, agricultural exports, cancer detection, petroleum supply monitoring and digital access for small businesses.
ISLAMABAD, October 28, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant ministries to complete all necessary measures for projects being undertaken with Alibaba Group by November, aiming to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, exports and public service delivery across Pakistan.
He issued the directives while chairing a review meeting on cooperation with the Chinese technology group in economic and governance sectors.
The prime minister said the effective use of AI and modern digital technologies could improve trade, exports, agricultural productivity, the business environment and the quality of public services. He stressed that all initiatives must have clear targets, timelines and effective monitoring to deliver tangible results.
PM Shehbaz welcomed Alibaba Group’s support for exporting Pakistani agricultural commodities to China and endorsed collaboration on agricultural automation. He also directed the launch of an AI training programme for IT graduates under the Ministry of Information Technology’s Ignite programme.
In the health sector, the prime minister ordered measures to implement an early cancer detection system in cooperation with Alibaba Group, including consideration of an AI-assisted cancer diagnosis pilot project.
He also instructed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to introduce an analytics system to monitor petroleum product supply chains using AI and business intelligence tools. Meanwhile, the Export Promotion Board was directed to work with Alibaba Group to increase Pakistan’s exports.
The prime minister recalled that a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Alibaba Group at its headquarters in Hangzhou during his visit to China. He said the partnership should help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access international markets and create opportunities for technology-driven development.
Progress on digitalisation initiatives
The meeting was informed that work was under way on AI-based agricultural models, tobacco track-and-trace technology and a digital platform to export citrus fruits and olives. A dedicated Pakistan pavilion had also been established on a special Alibaba Group website to promote Pakistani products internationally.
A digital system for verifying trade documents through the Pakistan Single Window had been activated. In addition, a two-year programme involving the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and Alibaba Group is being launched to provide businesses with e-commerce opportunities, training and access to global markets.
Participants also reviewed progress on a modern data platform and central data hub for the Federal Board of Revenue and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL).
Other initiatives involving AI and digital technology in higher education, railways, postal services and urban management were reported to be nearing completion.
PM Shehbaz directed the relevant ministries to submit a progress report after completing the required measures by November, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on timely implementation of the strategic partnership.