Govt decides to set up National AI fund

ISLAMABAD: Federal government has decided to set up the National Artificial Intelligence Fund (NAIF) for enhancing the technological developments in Pakistan.

As per official documents, 30 percent of the Research and Development Fund of Ignite will go into the NAIF to help it drive its initiatives forward.

The basic purpose behind setting up the fund is to give strong support for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The government will also establish a network of Centers of Excellence in different cities, with Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore to be the main centers. The centers are supposed to promote innovation and development in AI.

Plans have also been suggested to establish an Innovation Fund and a Venture Fund to spur innovation in artificial intelligence.

To create awareness and enhance capacity in AI, the government will initiate the National AI Skill Development Program. This program will be undertaken through a collaboration among the Ministry of Education and Training, provincial administrations, and private institutions to train AI. The program aims to train 200,000 persons each year through public-private partnerships.

Additionally, a National High-Tech Internship Program will be launched nationwide to offer practical exposure in AI and other connected sectors, as specified in the papers.

Previously, the Federal Cabinet approved the National AI Policy 2025 unanimously, which is aimed at developing an entire AI ecosystem in Pakistan. It seeks to democratize artificial intelligence access, improve public services, and unlock new employment and innovation opportunities.

Our youth are the biggest strength of Pakistan. Educating them, skill them, and empowering them with equal opportunities in AI is a priority area,” said PM Shehbaz Sharif.

The policy of AI details training 1 million AI experts by 2030, launching an AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund to increase private sector engagement, development of 50,000 AI-based civic initiatives, and 1,000 local AI products within the next five years.