Pakistan aims to develop one million AI professionals by 2030: Ahsan Iqbal

Pakistan plans to train one million artificial intelligence professionals by 2030, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said at a Pakistan-Russia technology industry event on Thursday, Dawn reported. The target is part of the National AI Policy, while seven new AI centres are intended to bring research, skills training, startups and businesses together.

Iqbal urged companies in both countries to pursue joint ventures, technology partnerships and pilot projects, with the aim of turning business talks into commercial contracts. Recent meetings arranged by the Pakistan Software Export Board and P@SHA brought five Russian companies into discussions with 11 Pakistani firms, across 16 meetings. He also pointed to potential collaboration in industrial automation, agricultural digital supply chains, AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, and said Pakistan should develop digital products and platforms as well as export IT services.