Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to boost Pakistan’s trade, exports, agricultural productivity and public services, urging authorities to translate the country’s strategic partnership with Alibaba into measurable results.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad, Sharif directed officials to fast-track several initiatives, including an AI-assisted cancer detection system and a 15-day AI training programme for IT graduates. He also called for greater use of digital technology in agriculture, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improved access for Pakistani businesses to international markets.
The meeting reviewed ongoing projects involving AI-based agricultural models, digital export platforms for citrus fruits and olives, tobacco tracking systems and a dedicated Pakistan pavilion on Alibaba’s platform. Authorities were also directed to introduce an analytics system to monitor petroleum supply chains and strengthen export promotion efforts.
Sharif instructed relevant ministries to complete necessary measures by November and submit progress reports, stressing that cooperation with Alibaba must deliver tangible outcomes. The government has also outlined plans to invest $1 billion in AI by 2030 as part of its broader digital transformation agenda.
