In a major development, the federal cabinet has approved the National AI Policy 2025, aimed at establishing a comprehensive artificial intelligence ecosystem in Pakistan.

The cabinet granted its approval at a meeting in Islamabad chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday.

The policy aims to democratise access to artificial intelligence, enhance public services, and open up new employment and innovation avenues.

“Our youth are Pakistan’s greatest asset. Providing them with education, skills, and equal opportunities in AI is a top priority,” PM Shehbaz Sharif stated.

The AI policy outlines training one million AI professionals by 2030, establishing an AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund to boost private sector involvement, creation of 50,000 AI-driven civic projects and 1,000 local AI products in the next five years.

The policy also includes distribution of 3,000 annual AI scholarships and facilitation of 1,000 research projects, inclusion of women and differently-abled individuals through accessible education and financing, strengthening cybersecurity and national data security protocols, promoting global partnerships and compliance with international AI regulations.

Under the policy, an AI council and a comprehensive master plan & action matrix will oversee the policy’s implementation.

The prime minister applauded the Ministry of IT and allied institutions for their timely efforts, saying, “AI will not only modernise our economy but also enhance productivity across agriculture, public services, and governance.”

The cabinet also ratified decisions made in earlier sessions of the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation and the Committee on Legislative Business held on July 8, 17, and 25, respectively.