The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed all public and private universities across Pakistan to introduce a mandatory three-credit hour course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in every undergraduate and postgraduate degree programme starting from the Fall 2026 academic session.
In an official advisory issued on February 18, 2026, the Commission termed AI education a “necessity of the time” in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. The directive requires Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to embed AI as a compulsory component of all degree programmes, either as an elective subject, an interdisciplinary course, or an allied subject integrated within existing curricula.
The advisory, signed by Executive Director Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, emphasised that Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a transformative force shaping education, healthcare, governance and economic development. It warned that without foundational AI knowledge and ethical awareness, students risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Under the guidelines, universities must design course content covering core AI concepts, practical applications across disciplines, and ethical dimensions including fairness, accountability, transparency, data privacy and societal impact. Institutions have been encouraged to tailor course content according to programme-specific requirements while ensuring inclusion of essential foundational and ethical components.
The Commission said the move aims to align Pakistan’s higher education system with international standards and equip students with skills required in an AI-integrated global workforce. Officials described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to position Pakistan alongside advanced economies embracing digital transformation.
The policy marks one of the most comprehensive national-level mandates on AI education in the region, reflecting Islamabad’s push to prepare graduates for emerging technological demands and responsible use of advanced digital tools.
