Tech Desk 
Feb 10, 2026
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced the investment of $1 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030, which will go a long way in building an AI ecosystem across the country.
During the Indus AI Week 2026, the premier stated: "Announcing further steps the country aims to take to keep up with modern technologies.
"An AI curriculum would be introduced 'not only in all federally-controlled or -run schools but all schools' of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)."
The plan would be implemented in remote parts of Balochistan as well to “pair our youth for leadership and digital economy”.
"The government would provide 1,000 fully-funded PHD scholarships in AI to students across the country by 2030, which is aimed at building Pakistan’s world-class research centre fully capacitated.
"Last but not least, we will launch a nationwide programme to train 1 million non-IT professionals in AI skills, enabling them to enhance productivity and improving livelihoods,” added prime minister.
PM Shehbaz noted that Pakistan is absolutely ready to accept the challenge and walk with our global partners, absolutely with great commitment and dedication.
He emphasised that agriculture and mines and minerals would be among the areas of focus, adding that the government aimed to empower the youth, which he said comprises 60 per cent of the country’s total population.
“We have to empower them with modern knowledge and modern techniques, and IT startups and IT technicians are already very concerned and feeling the heat and the challenge,” he noted, assuring them the government would bring programmes to “transform them from IT technicians to AI experts”.
