Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasised that artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are essential for Pakistan’s economic growth, improved governance and technological advancement.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier made these remarks while chairing a meeting in Islamabad to review progress on integrating AI and digital technologies into the economy and public administration, as well as ongoing cooperation with Alibaba.
Shehbaz said the effective use of modern technology could significantly improve trade, exports, agricultural productivity, the business environment and the quality of public services.
He welcomed Alibaba’s support in helping Pakistani agricultural products access Chinese markets and stressed that modernising the country’s agriculture sector was crucial for sustainable national development. He also appreciated the company’s cooperation in introducing automation in agriculture.
The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to introduce an AI-assisted system for early cancer detection as soon as possible in collaboration with Alibaba. He also instructed the Ministry of Information Technology to launch a 15-day AI training programme for IT graduates under its Ignite initiative, working alongside the company.
Shehbaz recalled that a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Alibaba at its headquarters in Hangzhou during his visit to China in May.
He said the government intended to use its strategic partnership with the global technology company to expand international market access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and create new opportunities for technology-led economic growth.
The premier instructed all relevant departments to convert the partnership into measurable outcomes by setting clear targets, deadlines and monitoring mechanisms. He directed the concerned ministries to complete the required arrangements by November and submit progress reports.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) was directed to develop an analytics-based system to monitor the petroleum products supply chain in collaboration with Alibaba. The PMO said AI tools were also being provided to support the initiative.
Meanwhile, the Export Promotion Board was instructed to work with Alibaba to help boost Pakistan’s exports and strengthen the country’s presence in international markets.
During a briefing on the partnership, officials informed the meeting that work was under way on AI-based agricultural models, tobacco track-and-trace technology, and digital platforms to facilitate the export of citrus fruits and olives.
A dedicated Pakistan pavilion has also been established on Alibaba’s online platform to showcase local products to international buyers. In addition, a digital system for verifying trade documents through Pakistan Single Window has become operational.
A two-year programme is also being launched jointly by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Alibaba to help SMEs gain access to overseas markets, training opportunities and e-commerce platforms.
The meeting further reviewed progress on an advanced data platform and a central data hub for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL). Officials also discussed a proposed pilot project for AI-supported cancer diagnosis.
According to the PMO, several initiatives aimed at introducing AI and digital technologies in higher education, railways, postal services and urban administration are nearing completion.
Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan, Dr Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Syed Mustafa Kamal and Abdul Aleem Khan attended the meeting, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior government officials.
Pakistan has also expressed support for China’s initiative to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), describing it as a step towards promoting the responsible development of AI for the benefit of all.
During Shehbaz’s four-day visit to China in May, Pakistan endorsed the initiative. In July, the country became a founding member of WAICO after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the agreement establishing the organisation in Shanghai.
Earlier, the prime minister announced the government’s plan to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence by 2030, reflecting its broader ambition to accelerate digital transformation and expand the use of emerging technologies across the country.
