The government has identified poor internet connectivity, a shortage of qualified trainers, limited training facilities and low awareness as major hurdles to expanding artificial intelligence (AI) education in rural and underserved parts of Pakistan.
According to a document from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the government plans to address these problems through regional training centres, online courses, blended learning programmes and partnerships with universities and technology companies.
The proposed measures also include scholarships for women and disadvantaged groups to improve access to advanced technology education.
Under the AI Policy 2025, Pakistan aims to train one million existing and new IT graduates in information technology and related fields over the next five years. The policy also sets a target of training 10,000 instructors in emerging technologies by 2027.
Several initiatives are already underway, including DigiSkills, Code4AI, the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative and the AI SEEKHO Programme. The latter aims to train more than 100,000 people in artificial intelligence and natural language-based application development.
The ministry said its departments and implementing agencies are offering training in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science and software development. More than 900,000 training sessions were delivered through various DigiSkills courses during fiscal year 2025-26.
Meanwhile, Code4AI aims to train 7,500 people in AI-based full-stack development. Its curriculum covers programming languages, machine learning, deep learning, blockchain and quantum computing.
The ministry is also considering a nationwide assessment to identify areas with limited access to technology training and determine which skills are most needed. The findings could help the government develop a phased expansion plan for the National AI Skills Programme.
Other proposed measures include specialized training courses, partnerships with local and international technology companies, mobile training facilities and regional technology centres.
The initiatives are intended to give more Pakistanis access to emerging technologies and reduce the digital divide between major cities and underserved communities.
