PM announces $1bn investment in AI by 2030

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced to invest one billion dollars in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2030. 

Addressing the opening ceremony of Indus AI week in Islamabad today, he said this investment will go a long way in building AI ecosystem in our country.

Shehbaz Sharif said AI curriculum will be introduced not only in all federally controlled schools but also in AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan and the most parts of Balochistan to prepare the youth for leadership and digital economy. 

The Prime Minister also announced that the government will provide one thousand fully funded PHD scholarships in AI to the youth all over the country by 2030 to build a world class research center.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government will launch a nationwide program to train one million non IT professionals in AI skills, enabling them to enhance productivity and improve their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is absolutely ready to join the world in the field of AI, emphasizing Pakistan will be a great partner in this field.

Shehbaz Sharif said we will bring programs to transform our youth from IT technicians to AI experts.

The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the Indus AI week will not only change the technological landscape of Pakistan but will be nothing short of a game changer. 

In his remarks on the occasion, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan will shape and lead in the field of emerging technologies.

He mentioned that we are setting up new national centers including on quantum computing, new manufacturing and nano technology this year. He said our quantum valley project will be a model of holistic innovation ecosystem with four specialized science parks in emerging technologies, mines and minerals, agri tech and bio sciences.

Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima said Pakistan aims to shape AI in a way that it aligns with its priorities and reflects its values and aspirations. She mentioned that this year will mark the implementation of the AI policy that was launched in September last year.