Pakistan has officially approved its first-ever national AI policy, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey toward digital transformation. The announcement was made on July 25, 2025, after the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, gave the green light to the long-anticipated framework.
The policy, developed by the Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT), outlines a national strategy to build an AI-enabled economy focused on innovation, inclusion, and responsible growth. More importantly, it lays the groundwork for establishing Pakistan as a regional AI player, capable of developing and deploying homegrown AI technologies.
Why This Policy Matters
The Pakistan first AI policy arrives at a time when AI is transforming industries worldwide – from healthcare and education to finance, logistics, and governance. By taking a structured, government-led approach, Pakistan aims to:
- Enhance national competitiveness in AI development
- Create economic opportunities through AI innovation
- Protect citizens’ data and rights in AI systems
- Promote ethical and fair use of AI tools
- Build the digital infrastructure needed for scalable AI deployment
According to the MoITT, the policy’s vision is to create “an AI-driven ecosystem that enhances human intelligence while upholding transparency, equity, and security.”
Key Focus Areas of the Policy
The newly approved framework is organized around several strategic pillars:
1. AI for Public Good
The policy encourages the use of AI in sectors that directly impact citizens, such as:
- Healthcare – diagnostic tools, remote care
- Agriculture – yield prediction, smart irrigation
- Education – personalized learning, language tools
- Public services – chatbots, automation, smart governance
2. Human Capital Development
A major goal is to train and upskill the workforce to meet the growing demand for AI talent. This includes:
- AI-focused academic curriculum
- Scholarships and grants for research
- Vocational training for AI-adjacent skills
- Public-private collaborations for internships and innovation labs
3. Data Governance & Security
The policy highlights the importance of local data storage and ethical AI development. As part of this, there’s a clear push toward:
- Developing data governance frameworks
- Encouraging the use of sovereign infrastructure
- Promoting transparency in AI algorithms used in government
4. Research & Innovation
To drive long-term value, the policy proposes establishing AI centers of excellence and providing grants for applied AI research, especially in areas relevant to Pakistan’s socio-economic needs.
Looking Ahead: Implementation & Impact
The policy will be followed by a detailed implementation plan, which the Ministry of IT & Telecom is expected to release in the coming months. This will include:
- Timeline for rollout of AI initiatives
- Governance structure for oversight and accountability
- Regulatory framework for public and private AI adoption
- Guidelines for international collaboration and ethical standards
As global AI regulation continues to evolve, this move helps Pakistan position itself proactively rather than reactively. By setting ethical and operational standards early, the country can shape AI use that benefits its economy – while protecting its people and values.
Final Thoughts
The approval of the Pakistan first AI policy marks a defining moment in the nation’s digital evolution. With a strong foundation in ethics, governance, and innovation, the policy sets the tone for a future where AI is not just used – but understood, built, and deployed in a way that reflects Pakistan’s national priorities.
The next step will be execution – and all eyes will be on how the government and private sector turn this roadmap into reality.