ISLAMABAD

Pakistan plans to train one million people in artificial intelligence (AI) skills over the next three years as part of a broader effort to prepare the workforce for a rapidly evolving digital economy, Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Sunday.

Speaking at the Telenor AI Seekho event, the minister said AI and digital technologies are already transforming the job market, creating new opportunities for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

She noted that AI-related initiatives and partnerships involving Google have already contributed to the creation of more than 10,000 jobs in Pakistan, highlighting the growing economic impact of emerging technologies.

Shaza Fatima said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously pledged to provide AI training to one million Pakistanis, adding that the government is now working to turn that commitment into reality.

According to the minister, the upcoming programme will focus particularly on non-technical individuals, enabling them to acquire practical AI skills regardless of their educational or professional background.

“We aim to train one million non-tech individuals in AI over the next three years,” she said, stressing that digital literacy and AI awareness are becoming essential requirements for the future workforce.

The minister thanked Google for its continued engagement in Pakistan and acknowledged the company’s role in supporting digital skills development initiatives across the country.

She also revealed that the Ministry of Information Technology and related government programmes have already provided training to more than 3,000 individuals through various digital skills initiatives.

Shaza Fatima emphasized that creating awareness about AI tools among young people is a national responsibility, noting that many training courses and workshops are being offered free of charge to encourage wider participation.

The initiative forms part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to strengthen its digital economy, improve workforce readiness and position the country to benefit from the global rise of artificial intelligence technologies.