Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a $1 billion investment in artificial intelligence by 2030. He made the announcement at Indus AI Week 2026 in Islamabad. The initiative aims to build a strong and inclusive national AI ecosystem.
Indus AI Week is being held from February 9 to 15 across Islamabad. The event serves as Pakistan’s official platform for artificial intelligence development. It connects policy, innovation, talent, and investment under one framework.
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The prime minister said AI education will be introduced in all federal schools. Furthermore, the curriculum will cover schools in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Remote regions of Balochistan will also benefit from the programme.
He announced 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in AI by 2030. In addition, one million non-IT professionals will receive AI skills training. The initiative aims to boost productivity and improve livelihoods nationwide.
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PM Shehbaz said agriculture and mining will be priority sectors for AI use. He stressed youth empowerment, noting they form 60 percent of the population. He called the initiative a major step toward a digital economy.