The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has launched a major plan to set up seven Artificial Intelligence hubs across Pakistan. The project falls under the National Artificial Intelligence Advancement Initiative and supports the country’s National AI Policy.
The hubs will open in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit. One company or group will be chosen to design, build, run and maintain all the centres. Each hub will offer startup workspaces, fast internet, meeting rooms, mentorship spaces and modern facilities for AI entrepreneurs.
Over two years, the programme aims to support 560 AI startups. Every hub will host 20 startups in each group, with two groups per year. This means 280 startups can join each year across all seven locations.
The selected operator will also run incubation programmes, AI boot camps, challenges, hackathons and mentoring sessions. A key part of the plan is 150 non-dilutive seed grants for promising startups. The ministry will fund the grants, while the operator handles applications, checks and monitoring. Payments will follow clear performance targets.
Extra activities include two national AI hackathons and four awareness sessions for students, entrepreneurs, researchers and officials. The operator must also build long-term funding through partnerships so the hubs do not rely only on government money.
The plan encourages links with universities, research centres and international networks. It also calls for strong participation by women and people from rural areas. Officials hope the hubs will grow local talent, attract investment and help Pakistan become a stronger player in AI technology.