PM stresses AI, IT integration to power digital economy, accelerate development

• Premier Shehbaz orders creation of a high-level steering committee for AI implementation
• Says national AI Policy to be enforced in letter and spirit, highlighting data protection, sovereignty, and responsible AI use as top priorities
• Pays tribute to seven police martyrs of DI Khan PTS attack, declares government’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism in all forms

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the government is according top priority to the promotion of information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and accelerate national development.

Chairing a high-level meeting on the promotion of AI, the Prime Minister said artificial intelligence would play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, improving governance, and enhancing productivity across sectors. He stressed that the implementation of a digital economy would become more efficient through the integration of AI technologies.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت مصنوعی ذہانت کے فروغ کے حوالے سے اجلاس

اجلاس کو مصنوعی ذہانت کے حوالے سے حکومتی سطح پر اقدامات سے آگاہ کیا گیا۔AIکے نفاذ کے حوالے سے ماہرین پر مبنی AI ایڈوائزری پینل تشکیل دیا جا رہا ہے۔

“مصنوعی ذہانت کے استعمال کے حوالے سے ڈیٹا پروٹیکشن… pic.twitter.com/hyJ6ADuMXi

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 11, 2025

Premier Shehbaz directed the formulation of a steering committee to promote and ensure the implementation of AI initiatives nationwide, adding that the National Policy on Artificial Intelligence must be implemented “in letter and spirit.”

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of data protection, data sovereignty, and the responsible use of AI, saying these principles should guide every phase of AI deployment.

During the meeting, participants were briefed on the government’s ongoing initiatives to promote AI, and it was informed that an expert-based advisory panel is being established to guide implementation.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bilal Bin Saqib, senior government officials, and AI experts.

PM condemns DI Khan attack

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack by Khawarij militants on the Police Training Centre in Dera Ismail Khan, paying rich tribute to the seven police personnel martyred while bravely resisting the assault.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان میں پولیس کے تربیتی مرکز پر فتنہ الخوارج کے دہشت گرد حملے کی شدید مذمت

وزیراعظم کا خوارجی دہشت گردوں کا بہادری سے مقابلہ کرتے ہوئے شہید ہونے والے سات پولیس اہلکاروں کو خراج عقیدت

وزیراعظم کی حملے میں زخمی ہونے والوں کی جلد صحت یابی… pic.twitter.com/siA7tzqSkZ

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 11, 2025

He offered prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and expressed heartfelt condolences to their families. The Prime Minister also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical assistance.

“The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have always stood at the front line in the war against terrorism,” he said, adding, “The entire nation salutes their courage and sacrifice.”

Shehbaz reaffirmed that such cowardly acts cannot shake Pakistan’s resolve to root out terrorism, declaring, “We remain fully determined to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”