PM Announces Plan to Retrain 1 Million Youth in AI, Tech Skills

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced an ambitious plan to retrain and upskill one million young Pakistanis in artificial intelligence and emerging technology fields, as part of a broader push to future-proof the country’s workforce.

The announcement was shared by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja during her address at the Pakistan Governance Forum 2026.

Under the new policy direction, AI education has been made mandatory across all schools and universities, regardless of degree programme — a move officials say is aimed at preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital economy.

“We are turning the challenge of AI into an opportunity. Our goal is to train one million people to ensure their productivity and jobs remain secure in a changing world,” the minister said.

The initiative aligns with the government’s recently introduced National AI Policy and the Digital Pakistan Act, which together form the foundation of Pakistan’s digital transformation strategy.

Officials say the reforms signal a decisive shift toward embedding advanced technology skills into the national education framework, positioning Pakistan to compete in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.