Pakistan AI policy Nears Approval: Shaza Fatima Khawaja Outlines Ambitious Digital Vision

AI Policy Set for Rollout After Year-Long Consultations

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced that Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy—finalized after extensive consultations with local and international stakeholders—is likely to receive official approval soon. Speaking at a seminar at Quaid-i-Azam University, the minister emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to not just creating the policy, but seeing it effectively implemented across the country.

She urged all relevant sectors and experts to become proactive participants in this journey. “Our main focus now is on putting the policy into action. We want everyone to join this journey and help bring the ideas to life,” she said, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility and engagement.

Six Core Areas of the AI Policy

Shaza Fatima urged experts and organizations to review the AI policy’s six central pillars: innovation, awareness, infrastructure, AI ethics and safety, sectoral changes, and global cooperation. She welcomed constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement, noting that the Ministry remains accessible through email and social media for stakeholder input.

According to the minister, these core areas were selected to ensure a holistic and future-proof policy. The inclusion of AI ethics and safety, for example, is intended to address concerns about responsible AI development and application, while sectoral changes are expected to drive transformation in critical industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Emphasizing Collaboration and Inclusivity

Shaza Fatima Khawaja stressed the need for national unity and teamwork to unlock the potential of AI and digital technologies. “If we work together, nothing can stop our progress. But for this, we must leave behind narrow thinking and work as a team,” she stated. The minister specifically highlighted the crucial role of women in technology, noting the strong attendance of female participants at the seminar. “Women’s inclusion is not optional—it’s necessary for growth. No country can succeed by leaving out half its population,” she noted.

The minister also called for the adoption of modern technology and the creation of homegrown solutions tailored to Pakistan’s unique challenges. She encouraged young people, educators, and industry leaders to participate actively, underscoring that the nation’s future growth is tied to its ability to innovate.

Youth Training and Digital Skill Development

Pakistan AI policy: A major highlight of the minister’s address was the progress in digital training for Pakistan’s youth. Shaza Fatima revealed that over 350,000 young Pakistanis have already been trained through collaborative efforts with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Ignite, NAVTTC, HEC, and global tech firms such as Google, Huawei, and Microsoft.

She underscored the government’s goal to ensure every IT graduate either secures employment or launches their own business. Significant budget allocations—worth billions of rupees—have been made under the Public Sector Development Program and other funding avenues to boost digital and AI-sector employment opportunities.

Promoting National and International Partnerships

“Pakistan AI policy: We cannot achieve this alone—the ministry and related institutions must collaborate for real progress,” Shaza Fatima emphasized. She encouraged the establishment of Centers of Excellence and stronger inter-institutional cooperation to drive the digital agenda forward.

Pakistan’s digital ambitions were recently showcased on the world stage with the hosting of the country’s first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Forum, which saw participation from 45 countries. Organized with support from the Saudi Arabia-based Digital Cooperation Organization, the event resulted in the signing of MoUs worth $700 million—marking it as the largest digital investment gathering in the nation’s history.

The minister urged local companies and innovation hubs to actively seek international collaborations. “If you are ready to collaborate, the funding is available,” she assured, pointing to the government’s commitment to facilitating access to resources.

Supporting Startups and Launching the Pakistan Startup Fund

Pakistan AI policy: Special attention is being given to nurturing early-stage and growing startups, particularly those in the AI sector. Shaza Fatima announced the upcoming launch of the Pakistan Startup Fund, designed to become a major government-backed platform for innovation, research, and product development, with a special focus on AI-driven businesses. This fund aims to provide crucial support to startups, helping them bring products to market more quickly and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global digital economy.