Pakistan has set out an ambitious national artificial intelligence (AI) roadmap, positioning the technology as a cornerstone of its economic future and committing to a $1 billion investment by 2030, according to government plans.

At the centre of the strategy is the development of a nationwide AI education pipeline, starting at the school level, where authorities have directed the introduction of an AI curriculum across federal institutions, with plans to extend it to remote regions to expand early digital literacy.

The government also plans to offer 1,000 fully funded AI scholarships by 2030 to support advanced research and training for engineers, researchers and specialists, while a separate initiative aims to upskill 1 million non-IT professionals across sectors, including business, finance and the public sector.

Recent efforts were highlighted during the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s National AI Training Programme at Indus AI Week, where participation rose from an initial 600 learners to more than 2,000 due to demand.

An inclusion-focused initiative, AI for HER, trained more than 500 women and girls and showcased 10 women-led AI startups across multiple cities.

Building on these efforts, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, in collaboration with Google for Developers, Telenor and Innovista, is launching AI Seekho 2026, a nationwide upskilling programme focused on introducing participants to “vibe coding” through hands-on training using Google AI Studio and Antigravity.

The programme will focus on building AI-powered applications, games and practical solutions, supported by hackathons and a prize pool of 2.5 million rupees.

Officials say AI Seekho is linked to broader pathways, including National Incubation Centres, which support more than 1,900 startups, the Pakistan Startup Fund, and global freelancing platforms.

During the launch session, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Khawaja said, “Pakistani youth are simmering with talent, and the government is committed to ensuring that anyone who wants to learn should have access to training in Artificial Intelligence.”

The initiative is part of wider national efforts, including the National AI Advancement Initiative, which targets 20,000 trainings and the development of AI hubs across the country.

The programme, branded with #VibeKaregaPakistan, is aligned with the government’s Digital Nation Pakistan vision, under which the prime minister has directed a transition from a services-led economy to an AI-powered growth model.

Telenor Pakistan CEO Awais Vohra said, “Artificial Intelligence is rapidly shaping the future of economies and societies worldwide. Through AI Seekho, we aim to democratize access to AI learning and empower Pakistan’s youth to become creators of innovation rather than just consumers of technology.

This initiative reflects Telenor Pakistan’s continued commitment to building a digitally inclusive and innovation-driven ecosystem in the country.”

Google Cluster Director for Pakistan and Frontier Markets, Farhan Qureshi, said, “Google believes very strongly in the future of Pakistan. Through initiatives like AI Seekho, we are helping build the necessary capacity and speed for the local ecosystem. If we want to secure Pakistan’s digital future, we must commit to scaling AI skills, ensuring that our talent can continue to lead in the global freelance and gaming industries.”

Amit Vadi, Head of Community at Google DeepMind DevX, said, “At Google, being AI-first means being responsibility-first. Our mission is to ensure that whatever we build serves the global community safely. Building AI that benefits humanity is at the core of our DNA, ensuring that cutting-edge technology always meets the highest standards of safety and responsibility.”

Innovista CEO Hisham Sarwar said, “Pakistan is at a pivotal turning point. Having already established our excellence and a global reputation within the freelance economy, it is now time to evolve. Our goal is to translate that success into high-value innovation, ensuring Pakistan is recognised globally as an AI powerhouse. This is precisely why programs like AI Seekho are so critical; they provide the bridge from being a workforce to becoming world-class creators.”