Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan is now ready to step onto the global stage in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), calling it a turning point for the country’s technology future.
Addressing the Indus AI Week event, the Prime Minister said the initiative would transform Pakistan’s technological landscape and present the country as a strong and reliable technology partner at the global level.
He said Pakistan is moving forward with unity, determination, and enthusiasm, and is fully prepared to compete internationally in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif said several major initiatives were launched in education, healthcare, and youth development, with special focus on information technology.
These initiatives included the distribution of laptops to talented students, establishment of e-libraries, launch of Lahore’s first Safe City project, and the creation of Pakistan’s first IT university.
The Prime Minister said reforms in land record management ensured transparency and played a key role in reducing corruption. He added that digitization of land records helped curb corruption among revenue officials, while the introduction of e-stamp papers increased national revenue.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that nearly 60% of Pakistan’s 240 million population consists of youth, making skills development a national priority.
He announced that one million non-IT professionals would be trained in artificial intelligence, while 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships would be offered in AI-related fields to build a strong research base.
The Prime Minister said modern scanners and equipment have been installed at ports to curb smuggling. He added that the government is also working to expand modern education and technical skills to rural and underdeveloped areas.
Acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, Shehbaz Sharif said that with the right policies and planning, Pakistan can secure a prominent position in the global AI sector.
