The government of Pakistan has taken a remarkable leap forward by unveiling its draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, aiming to train an impressive 10 lakh (1 million) individuals, including civil servants, in the field of artificial intelligence. This ambitious initiative is part of the first phase of the comprehensive AI policy, which will revolutionize various sectors within the country.
Transforming Sectors and Empowering the Nation
The draft policy, jointly prepared by the Ministry of Information Technology and the National Information Technology Board (NITB), outlines the government’s plan to extend the AI training program across all regions and sectors of Pakistan. The application of artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize agriculture, education, health, and many other crucial sectors.
Under this policy, not only students but also teachers, government employees, private sector professionals, farmers, and healthcare workers will gradually receive training in artificial intelligence. This holistic approach aims to equip individuals from diverse backgrounds with the skills necessary to leverage AI technologies effectively.
The draft further highlights the establishment of national artificial intelligence centers in the four provincial capitals, as well as in the capital, Islamabad, and in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. These centers will serve as hubs for AI training and research, fostering innovation and collaboration nationwide.
To ensure comprehensive implementation, the policy emphasizes that government employees from grades 12 to 22 will receive phased artificial intelligence training specific to their respective fields. This training will be conducted after an initial phase of training the trainers, ensuring a cascading effect that enables broader skill development throughout the public sector.
In addition to driving economic growth and fostering innovation, this transformative policy holds the potential to enhance the quality of services provided by various sectors, ultimately improving the lives of Pakistani citizens. By equipping a vast number of individuals with AI expertise, Pakistan is poised to lead the way in the region’s AI revolution.