Pakistan has taken a symbolic step towards digital transformation with the launch of its first artificial intelligence (AI) avatar, named Laila, as the government signals a stronger commitment to using emerging technologies in governance and economic development.
The AI avatar was unveiled at a government-hosted event attended by senior officials, technology experts and representatives from the country’s IT industry. Addressing the ceremony, the Federal Minister for Information Technology described Laila as a milestone in Pakistan’s technology journey, saying it reflected the state’s intent to build and expand a domestic AI ecosystem.
According to the minister, artificial intelligence is expected to play an increasingly central role in public administration and long-term economic growth, as Pakistan seeks to modernise service delivery and prepare for future technological demands.
Unlike experimental or promotional digital tools, officials say Laila has been developed for practical use. The AI avatar is designed to assist citizens with educational guidance, provide information on civic and government services, and respond to public queries in multiple languages. This multilingual functionality is aimed at improving access for users from different regions and linguistic backgrounds.
Government officials say one of the key objectives behind Laila is to reduce barriers to digital services. Many citizens, particularly those with limited digital literacy or language constraints, struggle to navigate conventional online platforms. By offering a more interactive and user-friendly interface, the AI avatar is intended to help bridge that gap.
The launch also forms part of a broader national AI strategy. Under the plan, the government aims to train 100,000 people in AI-related skills by 2030, in an effort to develop a future-ready workforce and generate new employment opportunities.
In parallel, authorities plan to support around 1,000 AI startups through funding and policy incentives, while backing nearly 400 AI-based research projects at universities. The strategy also includes the development of 50 sector-specific AI models tailored for use in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture and finance.
Technology experts say initiatives like Laila could improve public service delivery and boost confidence in digital tools among citizens, provided they are supported by sustained investment and clear policy direction.
The introduction of Pakistan’s first AI avatar is being viewed as an early but significant marker of the country’s ambitions in artificial intelligence, as it seeks to balance innovation, inclusion and national development in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
