The National AI Policy 2025 was adopted by Pakistan's federal cabinet this week, according to state-run media, with the goal of democratizing artificial intelligence in order to improve public services and provide jobs for young people.

Pakistan has recently launched attempts to digitize its economy and leverage the usage of artificial intelligence to improve services.

The government's "Digital Pakistan" initiative aims to develop e-governance services for citizens, support investment in tech startups, IT zones, and export-driven IT firms, promote digital literacy, youth engagement, and innovation, and expand broadband and 5G infrastructure.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a cabinet meeting on Wednesday where the AI policy was adopted, according to a report by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

According to APP, "the policy aims to improve public services, create new employment and innovation opportunities, and democratize access to artificial intelligence."

In addition to creating an AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund to increase business sector engagement in AI, the AI strategy seeks to train one million AI specialists by 2030, according to APP.

In the next five years, the national strategy also seeks to develop 1,000 local AI products and 50,000 AI-driven civic projects.

According to the state media, the government plans to support 1,000 research projects and award 3,000 AI scholarships annually in an effort to make AI usage more accessible.

Through accessible education and funding, bolstering cybersecurity and national data security measures, encouraging foreign collaborations, and adhering to international AI standards, the policy also seeks to guarantee the participation of women and people with disabilities, according to APP.

According to Sharif, his government wants to give young people access to AI-related opportunities.

"Our youth are Pakistan's greatest asset," the APP cited him as saying. It is crucial to give them equal access to AI education, training, and opportunities.

The execution of the AI policy will be supervised by an AI Council and a thorough Master Plan & Action Matrix, according to APP.

In addition to modernizing our economy, Sharif predicted that AI would boost productivity in public services, agriculture, and government.