PM Shehbaz says govt prioritising promotion of IT and AI to strengthen economy 

Lahore (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reiterated that the government places the highest importance on advancing information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and economic growth.

While presiding over a high-level session focused on AI development, the prime minister said that artificial intelligence would serve as a key driver in boosting the national economy and enhancing the efficiency of the digital ecosystem.

He instructed the establishment of a steering committee to ensure the effective introduction and adoption of AI in diverse sectors, stressing that the national AI policy must be executed thoroughly and with full commitment.

Highlighting the need for ethical and secure use of emerging technologies, PM Shehbaz emphasized that principles such as data security, sovereignty, and responsible innovation should remain central to all AI initiatives.

Officials at the meeting gave a detailed briefing on the measures being taken to strengthen the country’s AI framework, noting that a specialized advisory panel comprising experts is being created to guide and oversee the implementation strategy.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bilal Bin Saqib, as well as senior government representatives and AI professionals.