Pakistan has announced a major plan to boost its technology landscape with a pledge to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence by 2030.
The commitment was unveiled by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the opening of Indus AI Week 2026 in Islamabad, a national forum focused on expanding AI awareness, skills, research, and innovation across the country.
The investment aims to help Pakistan build a strong AI ecosystem that supports education, job creation, and economic growth.
As part of the plan, the government intends to introduce AI curricula in schools and universities nationwide, including in regions like Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan, so young people can be prepared for careers in the digital economy.
Officials also announced that by 2030, 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in AI will be awarded to students from across the country to strengthen research capacity.
In addition, the government plans to launch a nationwide training programme to equip one million non-IT professionals with AI skills, improving job opportunities and workplace productivity.
The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader National AI Policy, which is designed to foster innovation, support local development of AI tools, and create a skilled workforce in emerging technologies.
Past government action has included setting up sector-focused AI working groups and promoting AI applications in key areas like education, health, and agriculture.
By putting significant funding and training behind AI, Pakistan is positioning itself to take part in the global tech revolution and support its digital economy in the decade ahead.