1m AI professionals targeted by 2030

Pakistan is aiming to train one million artificial intelligence professionals by 2030 and establish seven centres connecting research, skills training, startups and businesses. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal outlined the goals at a Pakistan-Russia technology forum, The Express Tribune reported.

The National AI Policy sets the one-million target, while the government says it produces more than 75,000 graduates each year. Iqbal placed the initiative within the e-Pakistan pillar of the National Economic Transformation Plan, which seeks to make the economy worth one trillion dollars by 2035.

Earlier business meetings brought five Russian companies together with 11 Pakistani firms for 16 discussions, and the minister said the next step should be moving from talks to commercial agreements. Potential areas include AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital supply chains, although payment arrangements and language skills remain challenges.