Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced that Pakistan’s national policy on Artificial Intelligence is on the verge of official approval. Speaking at a seminar held at Quaid-i-Azam University, the minister stated that the AI policy has been finalized after a full year of domestic and international consultations and is now positioned for swift adoption. She emphasized that the priority has shifted to implementation and called on stakeholders to engage actively in bringing the framework to life.
Addressing the audience, Shaza Fatima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to operationalizing the AI policy, noting that participation from the private sector, academia, and civil society will be vital for its success. She urged experts and organizations to critically review the policy’s six focus areas—innovation, awareness, infrastructure, AI ethics and safety, sectoral transformation, and global cooperation—and provide recommendations where needed. The minister mentioned that feedback will continue to be welcomed via email and social media channels, as the government wants the policy to evolve with input from all quarters.
Highlighting Pakistan’s readiness to embrace advanced technologies, she said the country has a solid foundation to leverage AI in solving real-world challenges. She encouraged collective effort, stressing that a unified approach is necessary for long-term success. The minister also appreciated the active participation of women in the event, emphasizing that their role in technology and innovation is fundamental to national progress. She said inclusion of women is essential and not optional if Pakistan wants to move forward in the global digital landscape.
During her address, Shaza Fatima highlighted the significant investments made by the government to develop IT talent. Over 350,000 young individuals have received training through programs run in collaboration with PSEB, Ignite, NAVTTC, HEC, and international tech companies including Google, Huawei, and Microsoft. She added that billions of rupees have been allocated under the Public Sector Development Program and other funding streams to support employment and entrepreneurship in digital and AI sectors. She stressed that the success of such programs relies on synergy among institutions, with Centers of Excellence and academic organizations expected to play an active role.
The minister also shed light on Pakistan’s first Digital Foreign Direct Investment Forum held earlier this year. The event attracted delegates from 45 countries, including ICT ministers, and was held with the support of Saudi Arabia’s Digital Cooperation Organization. It resulted in Memorandums of Understanding valued at $700 million, making it the largest digital investment forum in Pakistan’s history. She encouraged innovation hubs and local companies to pursue global collaborations, stating that funding is accessible for those ready to partner internationally.
In addition, she announced the Pakistan Startup Fund, aimed specifically at supporting startups with AI-driven solutions. She said the initiative would become one of the most significant government-backed platforms for innovation, product development, and research, offering a major boost to early-stage tech enterprises. Shaza Fatima concluded by reiterating that Pakistan’s digital economy must grow across sectors and that sustainable development can only be achieved through national collaboration.
