ISLAMABAD

In a major step towards preparing students for an AI-driven future, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved a mandatory Artificial Intelligence (AI) course for all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across the country from the 2026 academic session.

Under the new directive, all public and private universities will be required to introduce a compulsory three-credit-hour AI course as part of their curricula. The course may be offered as an elective, an interdisciplinary subject, or integrated within existing degree programmes, providing institutions with flexibility in implementation.

The HEC said the move reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence in modern society, where the technology is increasingly shaping sectors ranging from education and healthcare to business and governance. The commission described AI literacy as an essential skill for the next generation of graduates rather than an optional academic addition.

The curriculum is expected to cover core AI concepts, practical applications, ethical considerations, data privacy, transparency, fairness and accountability, equipping students with the knowledge needed to use AI tools responsibly within their respective fields. Universities will also be allowed to tailor course content according to the requirements of different disciplines.

Education experts view the initiative as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda, aimed at enhancing workforce readiness and improving the country’s competitiveness in the global technology landscape. By embedding AI education across all academic disciplines, policymakers hope to ensure that graduates are better prepared for the rapidly evolving demands of the digital economy.