The federal government has announced a plan to train one million people in artificial intelligence over the next three years, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja said, stressing the importance of developing AI in line with Pakistan’s needs.
Speaking at a ceremony, she said the AI revolution is reshaping all sectors and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a target to equip one million citizens with AI skills within three years.
She also said Pakistan has approved its first national AI policy, highlighting the need to localize training according to national priorities and requirements.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja added that internet issues in the country are mainly due to limited spectrum availability and expressed hope that the launch of 5G will improve speed and connectivity problems.
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She further stated that talks are ongoing to bring Google to Pakistan, while Google Chromebooks are already being produced locally. She added that all AI training programs for students will be provided free of cost.
The minister also pointed to ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the addition of submarine cables to improve internet capacity.
She noted that 480 MHz of spectrum has been auctioned, while overall spectrum availability has increased from 270 MHz to 750 MHz. She also said that 5G services have already started in major cities as part of efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.