Punjab strikes AI training deal with Huawei, plans six data centres

Punjab has agreed with Chinese technology firm Huawei to prepare 1,000 young people as AI master trainers and to build six data centres, according to Profit by Pakistan Today. The arrangement followed a meeting in China between Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and senior Huawei officials that centred on AI, digital networks and smart public services. Maryam Nawaz also urged the firm to consider putting money into the Nawaz Sharif IT City.

Under the deal, 300 women are to get separate AI training from Huawei, and the meeting reviewed a proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Delivery Unit in the province. The parties also decided to appoint a focal person to coordinate between the company and the national government. Talks also touched on smart city projects, control rooms, health, schooling, farming and factories.

Maryam Nawaz called AI a top priority and said Punjab is one of the most engaged provinces across Pakistan and South Asia when it comes to technology uptake. Ali Dar, a Special Assistant, gave the gathering an overview of the Punjab AI Office and said the province aims for a completely AI-linked and interconnected network by 2029. Dar added that Pakistan is fourth globally in freelancer numbers and that AI will become a mandatory course in state-run learning institutions.