Pakistan to Invest $1 Billion in Artificial Intelligence by 2030: PM Shehbaz Sharif

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan will invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030 to develop a strong national AI ecosystem and prepare the country for the next global wave of technological transformation.

The prime minister made the announcement while addressing the inauguration ceremony of Indus AI Week 2026 in Islamabad. The event was attended by federal ministers, technology experts, and international delegations from countries including Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

PM Shehbaz said the government is fully committed to making artificial intelligence a cornerstone of Pakistan’s future development. He stated that the planned $1 billion investment would play a vital role in strengthening research, innovation, and AI-based solutions across multiple sectors.

AI Education and Scholarships Announced

The prime minister announced that AI curriculum will be introduced in all federally run schools, as well as educational institutions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and remote areas of Balochistan. The goal, he said, is to equip young people with modern digital skills and prepare them for leadership roles in the global digital economy.

He further revealed that 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in artificial intelligence will be awarded by 2030 to students from across Pakistan. These scholarships aim to develop world-class researchers and establish fully equipped national AI research centres.

Training One Million Professionals in AI

PM Shehbaz also announced the launch of a nationwide programme to train one million non-IT professionals in AI skills. This initiative will help workers from various fields improve productivity, efficiency, and income through the use of modern technologies.

Highlighting priority sectors, he said AI deployment would initially focus on agriculture, mines and minerals, and youth empowerment. He noted that Pakistan’s population is around 240 million, with nearly 60% consisting of young people, making skills development a national necessity.

AI to Boost Economy and Productivity

The prime minister said artificial intelligence would significantly improve agricultural output, quality, and efficiency, while also benefiting industry, commerce, trade, women-led innovation, and other economic sectors. He assured startups and IT professionals that AI should not be seen as a threat, stating that government programmes would help transform IT workers into AI specialists.

He also assured international partners that Pakistan would remain a reliable and committed collaborator in the AI domain.

Recalling Digital Reforms and Future Vision

Recalling past reforms, PM Shehbaz highlighted digital initiatives introduced under former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, including laptop distribution programmes, e-libraries in remote areas, e-stamp papers, land digitisation, and the establishment of Pakistan’s first Safe City project and IT university in Lahore.

He added that digitisation has significantly improved the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and helped curb smuggling and tax evasion through modern technology at ports and borders.

Concluding his address, the prime minister said Pakistan faces challenges ahead but remains determined to move forward. He emphasized that the country will continue striving to secure its rightful place among technologically advanced nations.