Pakistan Unveils Ambitious National AI Policy 2025: Aims to Add 12% to GDP and Train 1 Million Professionals by 2030
Pakistan has officially launched its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025, following federal cabinet approval. The policy outlines a bold national vision to position the country as a competitive AI hub in the region—one that not only empowers innovation but also drives economic transformation.
AI Policy Set to Boost GDP by 12%
According to government projections, the adoption of AI technologies could boost Pakistan’s GDP by 7–12% by 2030, as the country aims to harness the potential of automation, machine learning, and data-driven innovation.
The domestic AI market is forecast to reach $2.7 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.3% between 2024 and 2030. In terms of employment, the policy aims to create 3.5 million AI-related jobs, with a strong focus on upskilling and digital literacy.
Six Core Pillars of the AI Policy
The AI Policy 2025 is anchored on six foundational pillars:
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AI Innovation Ecosystem
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Awareness and Readiness
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Secure AI Environment
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Transformation and Evolution
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AI Infrastructure
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International Partnerships
Each pillar is designed to nurture a self-sustaining and ethical AI landscape while integrating global best practices.
Education, Scholarships & Training Initiatives
A key highlight of the policy is the goal to train 200,000 individuals in AI annually, with a target of producing 1 million AI professionals by 2030.
To further support this initiative:
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10,000 certified AI trainers will be developed by 2027.
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3,000 postgraduate scholarships in AI and emerging tech will be offered.
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15,000 students will receive interest-free loans to pursue high-tech certifications.
New Centres of Excellence in AI
A national network of Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) will be established in major cities:
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Main centers: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore
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Auxiliary centers: Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Hyderabad
These hubs will focus on AI research, curriculum development, startup incubation, and AI model training using centralized and high-quality datasets.
Funding and Incentives
To accelerate innovation, a National AI Fund will be created by allocating 30% of Ignite’s R&D budget to AI-based research and commercialization efforts.
Industries adopting locally developed AI technologies will benefit from tax incentives, grants, and subsidies, encouraging homegrown solutions and reducing reliance on foreign platforms.
Ethical AI and Global Cooperation
To ensure responsible deployment, the policy features strong cybersecurity frameworks, data privacy protections, and human oversight mechanisms. Transparency and accountability are prioritized throughout.
Moreover, the policy promotes global partnerships, bilateral tech exchange programs, and the establishment of joint research centers, helping Pakistan integrate into the global AI community.
Conclusion
With a clear roadmap and actionable goals, Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025 signals a transformative step toward building a future-ready digital economy. From job creation to international partnerships, the strategy aims to unlock new growth avenues and make Pakistan a serious player in the global AI arena.
