Pakistan unveils National AI Policy to boost innovation and economic growth

Pakistan has unveiled its National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025, outlining a national strategy to integrate AI across public services, industry, and education.

Introduced under the “Digital Nation Pakistan” initiative, the policy aims to accelerate AI adoption, foster innovation, and support economic growth.

Authorities estimate that artificial intelligence could contribute up to 12% to Pakistan’s GDP by 2030, as the country seeks a foothold in the global AI market projected to add over $15 trillion to the world economy by the end of the decade.

A vision for economic and social transformation

The policy envisions AI contributing 7% to 12% to the national GDP by 2030. It projects the domestic AI market to reach $2.7 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.3%. The plan also includes the creation of 3.5 million AI-linked jobs across various sectors, including agriculture, public services, and financial inclusion, through workforce reskilling and training.

Referencing insights from PwC, JPMorgan, and McKinsey, the policy notes that globally, AI could boost GDP by 14%, create more than 50 million new jobs, and grow into a $1.8 trillion market by 2030. Pakistan aims to leverage this momentum through innovation, investment, and international partnerships.

Key deliverables by 2030

The policy outlines an ambitious set of national targets to be achieved by 2030. These include training one million AI professionals, awarding 3,000 AI scholarships annually, and developing 50 sector-specific AI models tailored to local needs.

The government also plans to launch more than 50 civic AI projects in five years, fund 1,000 AI research and development ventures, and support 400 university-level AI projects annually.

Moreover, the policy aims to foster innovation with 1,000 patented AI products and targets a 30% year-on-year increase in peer-reviewed AI research publications.

Six pillars of AI development

The National AI Policy is structured around six foundational pillars that guide its implementation and ecosystem development:

AI Innovation Ecosystem: A National AI Fund (NAIF) will be created, dedicating at least 30% of Ignite’s R&D budget to AI research and commercialization. Centers of Excellence in AI (CoE-AI) will be launched in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore to promote academic-industry collaboration and support startups.

Awareness and readiness: A National AI Skill Development Program aims to train 200,000 individuals annually and prepare 10,000 AI trainers by 2027. The government also plans to award 3,000 scholarships and offer 15,000 interest-free financing opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups, including women and persons with disabilities.

Secure AI ecosystem: Emphasis will be placed on AI-driven cybersecurity, human oversight, and responsible data use. The policy proposes an Open-Source AI Governance Framework and regulatory guidelines for generative AI to tackle misinformation, intellectual property issues, and ensure ethical AI deployment. A regulatory sandbox will support at least 20 AI startups by 2027.

Transformation and evolution: Sector-specific roadmaps will guide AI integration in education, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. A national Ranking Management System (RMS) will be introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of AI solutions and build public trust.

AI infrastructure: A nationwide AI infrastructure network will include high-performance computing and accessible data repositories supporting 100 academic institutions. Regional innovation will be promoted through AI hubs and cloud-based platforms.

International partnerships: Pakistan will pursue bilateral and multilateral agreements, join global AI forums, and invite foreign direct investment to enhance its AI ecosystem. These efforts aim to position the country as a global collaborator in AI research and innovation.

Execution and leadership

The implementation of the AI policy will be led by a high-level AI Council, supported by a master plan and action matrix to coordinate efforts across stakeholders. The policy, announced on April 9, 2024, by the National AI Policy Committee, is currently under review by the federal cabinet. The committee is chaired by Dr. Aneel Salman and includes co-opted experts Dr. Sohail Muneer and Kyle Gardner from Google.

Pakistan’s policy aligns with international best practices on ethical AI development, digital rights, and cultural preservation. It emphasizes cross-border collaboration and responsible AI governance, particularly in countering misinformation and addressing societal challenges such as climate change and institutional efficiency.

A step toward digital sovereignty

By focusing on indigenous solutions, inclusive growth, and digital sovereignty, the AI policy reflects Pakistan’s ambition to define its digital future.

As the country prepares to implement this far-reaching vision, global stakeholders will be watching closely to assess its impact on both the local and international AI landscape.