Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced the launch of Indus AI Week 2026, a national artificial intelligence initiative scheduled to be held from February 9 to February 15, 2026. The week-long event is being positioned as a major step toward strengthening Pakistan’s role in the global AI ecosystem and advancing artificial intelligence adoption at a national scale.
Indus AI Week 2026 aims to bring together government institutions, private sector companies, academia, startups, and the wider technology ecosystem to promote AI awareness, capacity building, responsible use, and practical implementation across multiple sectors. The initiative is designed as an inclusive national platform that encourages participation from policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and the general public across Islamabad and other parts of the country.
Organised by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through a public-private partnership model, the initiative focuses on translating artificial intelligence discussions into hands-on learning, innovation, and collaboration. Planned activities include a national technology showcase, startup and innovation spotlights connecting founders with investors, AI skills training and certification programs, interactive public engagement sessions, and experiential AI and gaming arenas to broaden access and understanding of emerging technologies.
While announcing the initiative, the IT minister highlighted that Pakistan’s National AI Policy laid the groundwork for responsible and inclusive AI development. She stated that Indus AI Week reflects the government’s commitment to moving beyond policy dialogue toward real-world adoption by connecting policy frameworks, industry needs, and local talent. The initiative also aims to attract international partners, investors, and innovators interested in engaging with Pakistan’s expanding artificial intelligence landscape.
The program will begin with the Indus AI Summit at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad on February 9, followed by the Innovation, Learning, and Engagement Arena at the Islamabad Sports Complex on February 9 and 10. Throughout the week, universities, companies, public institutions, and ecosystem partners nationwide will host co-branded AI-focused activities under the Indus AI Week banner.
Indus AI Week 2026 reflects Pakistan’s growing focus on artificial intelligence as a key driver of digital transformation, economic growth, and international collaboration, signaling the country’s readiness to embrace AI as a cornerstone of national development.
