Federal cabinet approves key reforms in National AI Policy 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Federal cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday marked major reforms after key decisions in two strategic areas, including the approval of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025.

The Federal Cabinet unanimously approved the National AI Policy 2025, designed to create a complete AI ecosystem in Pakistan. The policy aims to democratize access to artificial intelligence, enhance public services, and open up new employment and innovation avenues.

“Our youth are Pakistan’s greatest asset. Providing them with education, skills, and equal opportunities in AI is a top priority,” stated PM Shehbaz Sharif.

The AI policy outlines training 1 million AI professionals by 2030, establishing an AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund to boost private sector involvement, creation of 50,000 AI-driven civic projects and 1,000 local AI products in the next five years, distribution of 3,000 annual AI scholarships and facilitation of 1,000 research projects, inclusion of women and differently-abled individuals through accessible education and financing, strengthening cybersecurity and national data security protocols, promoting global partnerships and compliance with international AI regulations.

However, an AI Council and a comprehensive Master Plan & Action Matrix will oversee the policy’s implementation.

The prime minister applauded the Ministry of IT and allied institutions for their timely efforts, saying, “AI will not only modernize our economy but also enhance productivity across agriculture, public services, and governance.”

The Cabinet also ratified decisions made in earlier sessions of the Cabinet Committee on Privatization and the Committee on Legislative Business held on July 8, 17, and 25, respectively.