ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan has launched a nationwide initiative to equip senior government officials with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, as the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication steps up efforts to integrate emerging technologies into public administration under the Digital Nation Pakistan agenda.

The ministry, in collaboration with Ignite – National Technology Fund and Alibaba Cloud, held the inaugural “AI for Public Sector Leaders” programme at the National Incubation Center (NIC) Islamabad, bringing together federal secretaries, directors general and senior policymakers responsible for digital governance, public service delivery and technology procurement.

The training is the first in a planned series aimed at strengthening the government’s capacity to understand, govern and responsibly deploy AI across public institutions.

Participants received practical training on identifying suitable AI applications, improving institutional workflows and addressing operational challenges through expert-led sessions, demonstrations and hands-on exercises. The programme also covered key issues including data privacy, cybersecurity, data sovereignty, accuracy and human oversight in AI systems.

Officials said the initiative supports Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif‘s vision for Digital Nation Pakistan and forms part of broader efforts led by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja to strengthen AI capabilities across government and the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Addressing participants, Special Secretary for IT and Telecom Syed Muhammad Ammar Naqvi said the programme would help ensure that public-sector leaders understand both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with artificial intelligence.

Participants also received practical exposure to Alibaba Cloud’s AI platforms, including Qoder and QoderWork, with demonstrations showing how AI can support document summarisation, citizen response services, automated brief preparation and the development of applications based on official government information.

Chief Executive Officer of Ignite, Muhammad Bilal Abbasi, said the programme builds on Pakistan’s growing partnerships between government, academia and industry, positioning the country to accelerate AI adoption across the public sector.

Officials said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to developing an AI-ready public sector capable of improving policymaking, enhancing institutional efficiency and delivering faster, more responsive services to citizens.