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Pakistan presented its artificial intelligence and digital transformation agenda at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 held in Seoul, South Korea, where Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja represented the country at the ministerial meeting.
The summit was jointly organized by the Government of South Korea and the World Bank, bringing together policymakers and global stakeholders to discuss AI governance, digital infrastructure, and emerging technology cooperation.
During her address, Shaza Fatima Khawaja briefed participants on Pakistan’s progress in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and public-sector reforms. She highlighted the National AI Policy 2025 and said Pakistan and the World Bank were in the final stages of the “Digital and AI Compact 2026–2030.”
The minister said Pakistan was working to build a stronger digital ecosystem backed by transparent laws for citizen rights and data protection. She also called for global institutions to develop effective legislation and policy frameworks for responsible AI growth.
Pakistan Pushes AI Training, Digital Reforms and Sovereign AI
Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government had approved a National Digital Master Plan aimed at digitalizing 12 priority sectors by 2035. She added that Pakistan’s governance reforms had helped the country improve by 14 places in the UN E-Government Index.
The minister outlined capacity-building targets, including AI training for one million non-IT professionals and 1,000 PhD scholarships intended to strengthen advanced research and technical expertise.
She also highlighted Pakistan’s focus on “Sovereign AI,” saying the country wanted to reduce dependence on foreign AI models by building domestic capabilities and strengthening control over its digital infrastructure.
The statements reflect Pakistan’s broader ambition to make AI a central part of its digital economy and governance strategy. The training and scholarship figures are announced targets rather than completed outcomes.
Google Meeting Focuses on Expanding Pakistan’s Digital Footprint
On the sidelines of the summit, the federal minister met Google Vice President Wilson L. White.
According to the details shared, the meeting covered educational and technical cooperation in Pakistan, as well as progress on recent agreements and joint initiatives between the country and Google.
Both sides discussed expanding Google’s network, presence, and technical activities in Pakistan. Cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies was also on the agenda.
Pakistan’s participation in the summit and its meetings with international technology representatives highlight its efforts to deepen global collaboration alongside its domestic AI plans. The longer-term impact will depend on the implementation of the stated policies, training programs, and partnerships.
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