Pakistan has taken a major step toward preparing its youth for the digital future. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced that a three-credit-hour course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become compulsory for all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across the country starting from the 2026 academic session.
According to an official notification issued by the commission, the directive will apply to all public and private sector universities. Higher education institutions have been instructed to incorporate the mandatory AI course into their academic programmes without delay.
Under the new policy, every degree programme at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels must include a three-credit-hour AI course. Universities have been given flexibility in how they offer the subject. The course may be introduced as an elective, an interdisciplinary subject or as a supporting course within an existing programme structure.
The HEC emphasised that the inclusion of artificial intelligence in academic curricula is no longer optional. The commission described AI as a transformative force shaping the modern world and redefining industries, education systems and professional environments.
“In the fast-changing landscape of the 21st century, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a revolutionary force highlighting the growing global reliance on intelligent technologies.
Officials say the initiative aims to equip students with practical knowledge and modern skills so they can effectively use AI tools in their respective fields. The move is expected to strengthen students’ academic performance while improving their employability in an increasingly technology-driven job market.
Education experts view the decision as a significant policy shift that aligns Pakistan’s higher education system with global trends where digital literacy and AI understanding are becoming essential competencies rather than specialised skills.
With this step, Pakistan signals its intention to prepare a future workforce capable of competing in an era defined by automation, data and intelligent systems ensuring that graduates are not just technology users but informed participants in the AI-powered world.
Asian Burg News Desk