ISLAMABAD, February 9, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that the government will invest $1 billion in Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector by 2030, aiming to build a future-ready digital economy and empower the country’s youth.
Speaking at the inaugural session of Indus AI Week, the prime minister said the investment would establish a robust AI ecosystem across Pakistan. Initiatives include introducing AI curricula in all federally run schools, offering 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in AI, and launching a nationwide program to train one million non-IT professionals in AI skills to boost productivity and improve livelihoods.
“Pakistan is absolutely ready to accept the challenge and work with our global partners, with great commitment and dedication,” he said.
Focus Sectors and Youth Empowerment
Highlighting priority areas, Prime Minister Sharif said AI interventions would focus on agriculture, mines and minerals, industry, commerce, trade, and youth empowerment. With a population of around 240 million, nearly 60% of whom are young, he stressed the importance of equipping youth with modern knowledge and techniques.
He assured IT professionals that government programs would transform IT technicians into AI experts, unlocking gains in agricultural yield, industrial growth, women’s empowerment, and overall productivity.
Digital Reforms and Past Initiatives
The prime minister cited ongoing digital reforms as proof of Pakistan’s readiness for AI adoption. Key measures include:
• Digitisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
• Improved revenue recovery through data-driven systems
• Use of modern scanners and digital instruments at ports to curb smuggling
Recalling earlier initiatives under Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, he highlighted programs such as laptop distribution for high achievers in Punjab, e-libraries in remote areas, e-stamp papers, and the digitisation of land records in partnership with the World Bank, which helped reduce corruption.
He also noted Pakistan’s first Safe City project and IT university in Lahore as milestones that laid the foundation for the country’s AI push.
Government Support and Digital Strategy
Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, said Indus AI Week aims to strengthen coordination between universities, government agencies, and international companies, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to a digital revolution. She added that the Pakistan Digital Authority is preparing a nationwide digital master plan to guide future transformation.
Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, emphasized that the world has entered an era where intelligence itself has become a factor of production, with nations competing on ideas, talent, data, and technology. He described AI as a bigger disruptor than electricity or the internet, noting that Pakistan’s engagement with technology began over two decades ago with early IT policies, creation of NADRA, and investment in human capital.
Prime Minister Sharif concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to embrace AI innovations globally, leveraging lessons from past digital reforms to drive economic growth, innovation, and youth empowerment.