Punjab, Huawei agree to expand AI, digital cooperation

Business Recorder reported that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif travelled with a delegation to China, where she held talks with senior officials at the technology group Huawei. The discussions centred on deeper ties in AI, digital infrastructure and smart civic services. Under the arrangement, 1,000 young Punjabis will be trained as Huawei master trainers, and 300 women will also receive AI instruction from the firm.

She also asked Huawei to consider investing in the Nawaz Sharif IT City, where six data centres, one a sovereign facility, were discussed. Participants reviewed a proposal for an AI Delivery Unit in the province and agreed to appoint a focal person who would strengthen links between the company and Pakistan's government. Smart cities, command centres, health, schooling, farming and manufacturing also featured in the talks, along with a roadmap spanning AI, cloud computing and talent development.

Maryam Nawaz said advancing AI was a top priority, adding that links with global technology firms could help Punjab become more digitally capable. Special Assistant Ali Dar told the meeting that Punjab was the first province to create an AI office, and already uses AI in Safe Cities, agriculture and traffic management. A senior Huawei executive said the company would keep working with Punjab to support digital change and sustainable growth.