Pakistan to Approve National AI Policy Soon: Minister Shaza

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Pakistan is set to approve its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy soon, according to Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. The policy aims to enhance digital transformation, education, and economic growth through responsible use of AI technologies.

Pakistan is nearing the formal approval of its first-ever National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, following a year of wide-ranging consultations with local and international experts. The announcement came from Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who spoke at a recent seminar held at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad.

The AI policy aims to position Pakistan in the global race for technological advancement by laying down a strategic framework for the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence across sectors. According to Minister Khawaja, the policy has been crafted after engaging academia, industry stakeholders, and global partners, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to innovation.

“Our goal is not just to have a document, but to enable meaningful transformation,” Khawaja told the audience, highlighting the government’s intention to create an ecosystem that supports research, upskilling, and AI-driven solutions in healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance.

The minister underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration, urging institutions, private enterprises, and researchers to actively participate in the policy’s implementation phase. She stressed that the government’s role is to provide the structure and support, but real change would only come through joint national effort.

The AI policy also outlines plans to create innovation zones, offer fiscal incentives for AI startups, and integrate artificial intelligence into public sector decision-making. If executed effectively, the initiative could modernise Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, improve public services, and enhance economic competitiveness. However, successful implementation will depend largely on political will, policy continuity, and private sector engagement areas where Pakistan has often faced challenges.

While the policy’s launch marks a positive step, critics remain cautious about its execution, citing past delays and lack of transparency in similar national strategies. It remains to be seen whether the current administration can maintain momentum amid growing economic and political pressures.

Nevertheless, the move signals an intent to embrace emerging technologies and secure a foothold in the evolving global AI landscape. With the global artificial intelligence market expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, timely and well-governed adoption could offer Pakistan both economic and strategic advantages.

As nations compete to harness AI’s transformative potential, Pakistan’s forthcoming policy will be a key test of its ability to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results in technology driven development.