Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Pakistan’s national development strategy, announcing a new national AI fund and sector-specific action plans.
Chairing a meeting of the National Task Force on AI, Ahsan Iqbal said AI adoption must be guided by cross-sectoral collaboration and alignment with the country’s strategic priorities.
اہم پیش رفت: پروفیسر احسن اقبال کی زیر صدارت مصنوعی ذہانت پر نیشنل ٹاسک فورس کا اجلاس۔
🎯 اجلاس میں AI کو قومی ترقیاتی حکمت عملی کا حصہ بنانے، اور تمام اہم شعبوں میں اس کے عملی انضمام کی ہدایات جاری کی گئیں۔
🎯 وفاقی وزیر نے 12 اہم شعبوں (تعلیم، صحت، زراعت، موسمیاتی تبدیلی،… pic.twitter.com/7zW4wrxndw— Ministry of Planning and Development (@PlanComPakistan) July 3, 2025
“AI adoption cannot be advanced in isolation and must instead be guided by cross-sectoral collaboration, in alignment with national priorities, and effective coordination across all relevant institutions,” according to a statement by the Press Information Department (PID).
“It’s time for Pakistan to move forward with clarity and purpose.”
The task force, formed in April 2023, is working to finalise a 10-year roadmap to accelerate AI use across multiple fields.
Read: Top AI models show alarming traits, including deceit and threats
Twelve key sectors have been identified—including education, health, agriculture, climate, business and governance—where AI can deliver measurable national gains. Each sector will form a multi-stakeholder working group with representatives from government, academia and industry to draft tailored AI roadmaps with clear objectives and timelines.
The initiative also includes the establishment of a national AI fund aimed at supporting innovative ideas and pilot projects. Ahsan Iqbal called for a nationwide mapping of AI expertise and research infrastructure to guide resource allocation and policy design.
Moreover, the task force has been instructed to organise a national AI workshop in collaboration with the Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA) and other relevant bodies. The workshop will serve as a platform to develop practical AI solutions aligned with Pakistan’s developmental needs.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring Pakistan is not left behind in the global race for technological leadership.
