Pakistan launches Urdu AI Assistant ‘ALIF’ in Partnership with Meta

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), in collaboration with Meta, has introduced ALIF, an Urdu version of Meta AI, allowing users in Pakistan to interact with the AI assistant in their own language.

The initiative aims to make Meta AI more inclusive and accessible for Pakistani users. The announcement was made at the “Future in Focus: AI and Innovation” event, which highlighted efforts to drive digital transformation in the country.

The event brought together government leaders, industry experts, and academics to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation across the country.

During the event, a series of initiatives designed to empower Pakistan’s public sector and local communities were also announced. The launch of ALIF allows more people to discover information, express themselves, and stay connected to what matters most in their own language.

The event was inaugurated by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, she said:

“Pakistan is rapidly moving towards a future where technology empowers every citizen. Our National AI Policy and partnership with Meta reflect this commitment; driving AI literacy, digital transformation, and innovation in government and academia.”

The company also launched a local version of the “Transforming Public Sector Innovation in Asia Pacific with Llama” guide, developed in partnership with Deloitte.

This ministry-supported guide demonstrates how Meta’s open-source AI model, Llama, can streamline government operations, enhance public services, and support data sovereignty.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of IT&T, in collaboration with Meta, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the National Computing and Emerging Sciences Accreditation Council (NCEAC), and Atom Camp, announced the launch of an AI Literacy Program.

The program aims to upskill 350 non-computer science faculty members in Pakistani universities, equipping them with core AI capabilities to prepare the next generation for the future of work.