ISLAMABAD
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has made Google-backed artificial intelligence training mandatory for all ministry employees as part of a broader government push to strengthen digital skills and modernize the public sector workforce.
The initiative, launched under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Digital Pakistan vision, aims to equip government officials with practical AI knowledge and exposure to emerging global technology trends.
Officials said the training programme will be provided free of cost by Google in collaboration with the IT ministry and is designed to improve the ministry’s institutional capacity through AI-driven upskilling.
The decision was reportedly finalized following a meeting between a Google delegation and Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
According to ministry officials, the AI training initiative will help employees understand and utilize modern AI technologies for administrative efficiency, policymaking and digital governance.
“The programme is aimed at preparing ministry staff with modern skills and increasing digital capability within the public sector,” officials said.
Authorities said the collaboration with Google would expose government employees to evolving international technology trends and practical AI applications increasingly being adopted worldwide.
The move comes as governments across the globe accelerate AI adoption in public administration, cybersecurity, education and digital service delivery amid growing competition in the global artificial intelligence race.
Pakistan has recently intensified efforts to integrate AI into governance and state institutions, including the launch of the country’s first AI-enabled parliamentary system earlier this week.
Analysts say mandatory AI training within the public sector could help narrow Pakistan’s digital skills gap and improve the government’s readiness for AI-driven transformation in administration and policymaking.
The initiative also reflects growing cooperation between global technology companies and Pakistan’s public sector as the country seeks to expand its digital economy and strengthen technology-focused governance reforms.
