KARACHI: Pakistan has announced its first National Artificial Intelligence Policy, a wide-ranging plan seen by Arab News to develop AI infrastructure, train one million people in related skills and ensure responsible, ethical use of the technology in line with global standards.
The Ministry of IT & Telecom shared a copy of the new policy with media on Wednesday and said the policy is designed to transform the country into a “knowledge-based economy” through investment in research, innovation, and skills, while safeguarding personal data and human rights.
The “National Artificial Intelligence Policy – 2025” lays out a six-pillar framework covering AI innovation, public awareness, secure systems, sectoral transformation, infrastructure and international partnerships. It creates a National AI Fund by permanently allocating 30 percent of the R&D Fund managed by Ignite, a government-run technology financing body that supports research, startups and innovation in Pakistan’s ICT sector.
The policy also establishes Centers of Excellence in AI in major cities and sets targets for 90 percent public awareness of AI by 2026.
The plan aligns with the “AI for Good” initiative of the International Telecommunication Union and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
