Secret to country's development lies in AI and digitisation, PM Shehbaz stresses

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for faster use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in Pakistan’s economy and public services, and urged officials to turn cooperation with Alibaba into measurable projects. Dawn reported that he gave ministries until November to complete required steps and submit a progress report.

The initiatives discussed include AI tools for agriculture and petroleum supply-chain monitoring, digital export platforms for citrus and olives, and a Pakistan pavilion on Alibaba’s marketplace. The government is also preparing a two-year programme with Alibaba to help small and medium enterprises reach international markets, receive training and use e-commerce.

Shehbaz directed that an AI-assisted system for early cancer detection be implemented with Alibaba and that an AI training course for IT graduates be launched under the Ignite programme. The meeting also reviewed plans for an FBR data hub and a proposed AI-supported cancer diagnosis pilot; the government has previously announced a goal of investing $1 billion in AI by 2030.