Punjab CM unveils ambitious AI roadmap to become South Asia’s tech leader by 2029

• CM Maryam Nawaz approves province’s first comprehensive AI roadmap, expected to generate over 100,000 jobs within three years

• World’s first AI Delivery Unit to be established to accelerate digital governance

• AI curriculum launched in 100 schools, another 155 to begin classes from April

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday approved the province’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap, setting an ambitious target to transform Punjab into South Asia’s leading AI-driven region by 2029, according to a handout issued by the Punjab DGPR.

The chief minister also approved the establishment of an AI Technical Advisory Board and directed that leading experts in the field be included to guide the initiative and provide strategic oversight.

Under the plan, the world’s first AI Delivery Unit will be established in Punjab to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across governance and public services. The chief minister will serve as chairperson of both the AI Delivery Unit and the Special Project Team tasked with overseeing the roadmap’s implementation, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

🔹Punjab’s first Artificial Intelligence Roadmap has been prepared and approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

🔹Advisor to the Chief Minister on AI, Ali Dar, gave a detailed briefing on the AI Roadmap.

🔹The vision is to make Punjab the leading AI province in South Asia by… pic.twitter.com/DQxXScYgi7

— PMLN (@pmln_org) March 12, 2026

During a briefing on the roadmap, Provincial Adviser on AI Ali Dar informed the meeting that the initiative is expected to generate more than 100,000 employment opportunities over the next three years. He said the programme could also increase Punjab’s GDP by 5 to 10 percent and potentially boost foreign exchange reserves by $10 to $20 billion through technology-led growth.

The roadmap outlines the development of key pillars, including AI infrastructure, AI administration, AI-based citizen services, job and skills development, AI-driven economic expansion and AI governance. To support implementation, four cross-functional teams will be established focusing on special projects, data management, strategic operations and strategic communications.

According to the implementation timeline, the Punjab AI Roadmap Manifesto will be launched in March, followed by the international launch of the AI Delivery Unit in June. An AI Governance Policy will be introduced in July, while a Global Tech Partnership and Citizen Portal will be unveiled in August to coincide with Independence Day celebrations.

Further milestones include the launch of a Health Board App in September, integration of AI-based systems for smog monitoring and mitigation in October, and the introduction of the Kissan AI Board in November. The chief minister also directed that agriculture interns be integrated into the Kissan AI Bot to support farmers with modern advisory tools.

Officials informed the meeting that an AI curriculum has already been introduced in 100 schools across Punjab, while an additional 155 schools will begin teaching artificial intelligence from April.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the government aims to enhance the capacity and efficiency of every sector through the use of artificial intelligence. She emphasised that the AI roadmap would help harness the potential of the youth and bring young talent together under a unified technological vision for the province.

Condolence message

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the passing of senior actor Asim Bukhari.

In her condolence message, the chief minister extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience for them during this difficult time.