Pakistan to Train One Million People in Artificial Intelligence Under National AI Policy 2025

Pakistan has announced one of its most ambitious technology roadmaps yet through the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025, which sets a target of training one million people in AI skills by the year 2030. The plan goes far beyond simple awareness and includes preparing ten thousand professional trainers, providing twenty thousand internships every year, awarding three thousand advanced research scholarships annually, and offering computing and data access to more than one hundred and fifty institutions across the country. Officials say this is part of a larger strategy to embed AI at every level of society and to prepare the workforce for the demands of the global digital economy.

By 2027, the government has committed to ensuring that every single public servant is trained in artificial intelligence applications, a move that would make Pakistan one of the first countries in the region to integrate AI training into governance structures. According to IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the transformation will be powered by the National AI Skill Development Program, which is expected to train two hundred thousand people every year. A dedicated train-the-trainer scheme will create a pool of experts capable of teaching others, while a high-tech internship program will provide twenty thousand placements annually and award industry-recognized certifications to successful participants.

The plan also introduces far-reaching educational reforms that integrate artificial intelligence into schools, colleges, and universities. Around three thousand postgraduate and doctoral scholarships will be offered every year, along with student loans for fifteen thousand young people annually. These steps are being executed in partnership with NAVTTC, provincial education boards, universities, private companies, and the overseas Pakistani community. The government believes that connecting public and private stakeholders will ensure both sustainability and global competitiveness in AI adoption.

To provide institutional support, the Ministry of IT and Telecom has already started the process of establishing an Artificial Intelligence Council, tasked with giving strategic oversight to the policy. A dedicated policy implementation cell is also being created to make sure targets are met. At the same time, centres of excellence in artificial intelligence are being set up in major cities, with regional hubs planned to ensure nationwide coverage. These centres will become the focal point of research, training, and collaboration, and will also offer facilities to AI startups and entrepreneurs.

The government has also launched the National AI Advancement Initiative, which includes a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. A National AI Fund is being created to finance startups and emerging ventures, supported by a venture capital fund to cover the post-seed financing gap. In addition, an Innovation Fund linked to the centres of excellence will provide access to labs, advisory services, and resources for young entrepreneurs. Early-stage discussions with private investors and industry experts have already started to shape the structure of these funds.

An important feature of the policy is its inclusivity. Authorities have promised that women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups will be given special opportunities to participate. Through the DigiSkills program, collaborations with Bait-ul-Maal and Ehsaas, and AI awareness campaigns in local languages, the government hopes to expand the reach of artificial intelligence training to communities that are often left behind. Incentives for female entrepreneurs are also part of the plan, ensuring that women are active contributors in the country’s AI journey.

Policymakers believe that these steps will accelerate the adoption of AI in Pakistan, modernize the workforce, and position the country as a competitive player in the global digital landscape. The vision of the National AI Policy 2025 is not just about technology, but about building an inclusive ecosystem where innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge can transform society and unlock new economic opportunities.