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Pakistan's AI Policy Stalls: Six Months On, Implementation Lags

Six months after its cabinet approval, Pakistan's National Artificial Intelligence Policy is facing significant implementation delays. Key challenges include a lack of coordination between federal and provincial governments, which is critical as sectors like education and healthcare fall under provincial control. The National AI Council, intended to guide the policy, has not yet been formed, leaving no clear system for cross-departmental coordination. While the policy sets ambitious 2030 targets, most projects in infrastructure and international cooperation remain at an early stage.

Key Points: Pakistan's National AI Policy Faces Slow Progress After 6 Months

  • Policy approved in July 2023
  • National AI Council not yet formed
  • Lack of federal-provincial coordination
  • Targets include 1M AI professionals by 2030
  • Progress limited to awareness activities
2 min read

Pakistan's AI policy faces slow progress 6 months after launch

Six months after approval, Pakistan's AI policy sees limited implementation, with key systems and provincial coordination still lacking.

"the systems needed to turn those plans into action are still unclear. - Maldives Insight report"

New Delhi, March 26

Six months after Pakistan approved its National Artificial Intelligence Policy, concerns are growing over slow implementation, with key systems and plans still not in place, a report has said.

When Pakistan's federal cabinet approved the National Artificial Intelligence Policy in July last year, it was seen as a major step towards building a digital future.

The policy aimed to promote responsible use of AI, boost innovation, and prepare the country for a global economy driven by technology and data.

However, six months later, progress on the ground appears limited, according to Maldives Insight report.

While the policy outlined ambitious goals, the systems needed to turn those plans into action are still unclear.

Experts said the delay could affect Pakistan's ability to keep up in a fast-moving technology space.

The policy had set big targets for 2030, including training one million AI professionals, developing thousands of AI-based projects, and creating locally built AI products.

It also promised scholarships and wider use of AI in sectors like healthcare, education, and governance. But so far, there is little visible progress in achieving these goals.

One of the major challenges has been the lack of coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

Reports suggest that provinces have not responded to requests for input on implementing the policy.

This is a concern because key sectors like education and healthcare fall under provincial control, making their involvement essential.

Another delay has been in setting up the National AI Council, which was supposed to guide and monitor the policy's implementation.

The council has not yet been formed, and there is currently no clear system to coordinate efforts across different departments, the report stated.

The policy is based on six key areas, including building infrastructure, promoting innovation, and forming global partnerships.

But apart from some awareness-related activities, most areas have seen little movement.

Projects related to infrastructure, sectoral use, and international cooperation are still at an early stage, the report mentioned.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Setting big 2030 targets is easy, but the real work is in the day-to-day execution. A National AI Council that hasn't been formed in 6 months tells you everything. Meanwhile, India is pushing ahead with its own AI mission. The gap might widen if this continues. 🤔
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Vikram M
One million AI professionals by 2030? That's an ambitious goal for any country. Without proper coordination and infrastructure, it's just a dream. They should focus on smaller, achievable milestones first. Hope they succeed for the sake of regional stability and progress, but the current pace is worrying.
S
Sarah B
From an outside perspective, it's a classic case of a good plan meeting bureaucratic reality. The sectors mentioned—healthcare and education—are where AI can have the most immediate human impact. It's a shame to see delays there. The citizens are the ones who lose out.
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Rohit P
Honestly, their loss is our gain. More Indian tech firms and professionals will benefit if our neighbour's ecosystem doesn't develop. But on a serious note, a technologically advanced and stable Pakistan is better for the whole subcontinent. They need to sort out their internal coordination issues first. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
It's easy to criticize, but we should also look at our own challenges. Our AI policy is also a work in progress. That said, the report highlights a universal truth: without strong institutions and clear accountability, even the best policies remain on paper. Hope they can turn it around.

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