Pakistan plans 20,000 AI training programmes under digital workforce initiative

Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is preparing to launch 20,000 online artificial intelligence training programmes under the National AI Advancement Initiative aimed at equipping Pakistan’s workforce for the digital economy.

The six-to-12-month courses will target fresh graduates, teachers, government officials, freelancers and professionals from various industries through an advanced learning management system.

The initiative is intended to improve workforce capabilities, encourage innovation and expand AI adoption in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education and industry.

Participants will receive certifications in specialised fields such as machine learning, deep learning and AI ethics, while AI literacy courses will also be introduced for civil servants and corporate executives to support policy planning and technology adoption.

The ministry has invited training and capacity-building firms to help develop the learning management system and design courses aligned with domestic and international market requirements.

Software and AI expert Asim Tausif Khan said artificial intelligence could help Pakistan expand its presence in the global IT industry, where the country currently holds less than one percent share.

He said rapid upskilling of young professionals would be necessary to meet increasing demand in local and Gulf markets.

Under the National AI Policy 2025, Pakistan aims to train one million people in AI-related skills by 2030, including 10,000 trainers, 20,000 annual internships and 3,000 advanced research scholarships each year.

IT exporter and AI coach Dr Noman Said said adoption of AI tools had become necessary for remaining competitive in the international job market and called for AI education to begin at the secondary school level.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Amin warned that artificial intelligence could replace a large number of freelance jobs if workers fail to upgrade their skills, though he added that the technology also creates new opportunities for those willing to adapt.