Govt Introduces AI Training Initiative for Students in Remote Areas

 

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is planning to expand the National AI Skills Program to rural, remote and underserved areas across Pakistan to provide more young people with training in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

The proposed expansion is aimed at improving employment opportunities, promoting digital inclusion and developing Pakistan’s expertise in fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing and related technologies.

According to a ministry document, the government is already offering training in areas including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science and software development.

Under the AI Policy 2025, the government plans to train one million new and existing IT graduates in IT and related technologies over a five-year period. The policy also targets training 10,000 trainers in emerging technologies by 2027.

Several other initiatives are also underway, including the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative, Google certification programs for government employees, the National AI Upskilling Program in collaboration with Meta, DigiSkills, Code4AI and the National AI Innovation Hub.

More than 900,000 training sessions were delivered through various DigiSkills courses during fiscal year 2025–26. Meanwhile, the Code4AI initiative is planned to train 7,500 individuals in AI-driven full-stack development and related technologies.

The ministry has identified several challenges that could limit participation in underserved regions, including a shortage of training facilities, weak internet connectivity, limited availability of qualified instructors and low awareness about available programs.

To address these challenges, proposed measures include establishing regional training hubs, expanding online and hybrid learning options, developing partnerships with universities and industry, and providing scholarships and targeted support for women and disadvantaged groups.

The ministry may also conduct a nationwide needs assessment to identify underserved regions and determine priority skills before developing a phased expansion plan.

Other proposals include specialized training in artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, cybersecurity and cloud computing, supported by online learning platforms, mobile training facilities and regional technology centers.