Ayesha Saba

Pakistan is developing cross-sector AI roadmaps as part of a national strategy to speed up digital transformation, reflecting its commitment to modernizing governance, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation-led growth, reports WealthPK.

To fuel innovation and support pilot projects, the Planning Ministry has announced the establishment of a national AI fund to reduce financial barriers for high-impact ideas. Additionally, a national mapping of AI talent and resources will be conducted to strategically harness academic and industry expertise. In collaboration with PASHA and other tech bodies, a national AI workshop will be convened to foster dialogue between key stakeholders and promote practical, localized AI solutions. 

Talking with WealthPK, Saad Khan, former executive director at CIS Technology Park Islamabad, said, “AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern economies. Pakistan needs tailored AI strategies for sectors like agriculture, health, education, and manufacturing to bridge productivity gaps and leapfrog development stages.”

He emphasized that rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, each sector must identify its specific challenges and opportunities where AI can be applied for maximum impact. He further stated that the country’s startup ecosystem can be a key driver in this transition. Startups focused on AI-powered solutions can solve local problems at scale, be it in smart irrigation, diagnostic tools, or logistics optimization, he said.  

However, he warned that without data-sharing protocols, interoperability standards, and access to skilled human capital, these efforts may remain fragmented. He further explained that, in sectors like agriculture, AI can support precision farming, pest prediction, and crop yield forecasting, helping address food security issues. In healthcare, AI can accelerate diagnostics and improve access in underserved areas through telemedicine.

Meanwhile, education technology startups are already experimenting with AI tutors and personalized learning tools, which could reshape how students engage with curricula, especially in rural areas with teacher shortages. Still, challenges persist, he pointed out Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, lags behind many emerging economies, with inconsistent internet connectivity and electricity shortages hindering widespread AI adoption.

Furthermore, the country faces a shortage of AI specialists, necessitating urgent reforms in STEM education and vocational training. “We need robust data governance frameworks, investment in cloud infrastructure, and regulatory clarity. Otherwise, AI roadmaps will remain aspirational documents with little implementation on the ground,” Saad said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk