In a landmark move at Indus AI Week 2026, Pakistan’s Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Shahbaz Shariff pledged a $1 billion investment in artificial intelligence by 2030 — a plan set to redefine the nation’s digital future and empower millions with tech skills.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that Pakistan will invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence by 2030 to establish a robust national AI ecosystem, catalyze innovation, and unlock socioeconomic benefits for its people. The declaration came during the inauguration of Indus AI Week 2026 in Islamabad, a week-long event dedicated to AI policy, innovation, talent, and investment.(Dawn)
This commitment reflects a strategic step toward modernizing Pakistan’s digital landscape and preparing the workforce for the rapidly evolving global tech front.
The government’s plan includes widespread AI education reforms, with AI curricula to be introduced across schools not only in major cities but also in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and remote parts of Balochistan, ensuring inclusive access to future technologies.(The Express Tribune)
Additionally, Pakistan aims to award 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in AI research by 2030 and launch nationwide programs to train one million professionals, including those outside traditional IT roles, equipping them with practical digital skills.(Geo News)
These steps build on the National AI Policy 2025, which outlines ambitious targets for workforce training, job creation, and market growth in the technology sector.(ProPakistani)
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the AI investment will target key sectors such as agriculture, mining and minerals, and youth empowerment — leveraging AI tools to boost productivity, improve service delivery, and drive innovation across the economy.(Geo News)
This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader digital transformation goals, including previously announced programmes on digitisation in government services and technology education expansion.(SAMAA TV)
Government officials see artificial intelligence as not just a technological upgrade but a transformative economic lever. Earlier projections under the national AI policy estimate that AI adoption could fuel growth in Pakistan’s GDP and position the country as a competitive player in global tech markets.(ProPakistani)
To ensure Pakistan’s global connectivity, partnerships with international tech firms and research institutions are expected, strengthening cross-border collaboration and innovation exchange.
Despite the ambitious vision, Pakistan faces critical challenges typical for emerging tech markets — including gaps in digital infrastructure, quality power supply, and rapid upskilling of the workforce. For context on global AI investment hurdles and energy constraints affecting the tech sector, see this analysis on AI infrastructure challenges.(Dawn News)
Addressing these bottlenecks will be crucial for Pakistan to realize its AI ambitions by 2030.
While Pakistan’s AI strategy is primarily domestic in focus, there could be significant interest from international partners, including the United States, which closely monitors global AI policy trends. Washington has historically supported tech development collaborations in partner nations, particularly where it aligns with digital economy growth and workforce development.
Experts suggest that as Pakistan’s AI sector expands, there may be scope for bilateral or multilateral engagement on standards, ethics, research, and investment — similar to ongoing collaborations between the U.S. and South Asian technology ecosystems. External perspectives on AI policy and global competitiveness offer useful context.(Dawn News)
However, geopolitical dynamics — including strategic relations with the U.S., China, and the Gulf — will shape the depth and scope of such cooperation moving forward.
Pakistan’s AI investment plan marks a landmark policy shift, signaling the state’s acknowledgment of artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of future economic and social progress. As Indus AI Week 2026 progresses, stakeholders from public and private sectors will likely announce further initiatives, partnerships, and implementation roadmaps.
For continuous coverage on Pakistan’s evolving AI strategy and technology reforms, readers can visit our AI & Tech Policy section here: www.worldatnet.com/technology and explore related analysis on emerging digital trends worldwide.
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