Islamabad: The Senate has been informed that the government is set to implement a comprehensive national artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, focusing on infrastructure, human capital, research, startups, financing, and governance. This initiative is highlighted by a substantial investment of one billion dollars, targeting completion by 2030.
According to Radio Pakistan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry addressed the Senate during the Question Hour, revealing that the National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme is one of the government’s significant upcoming interventions in AI development. The initiative includes the National AI Advancement Initiative, aimed at accelerating AI adoption and building practical AI capacity within the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar added that Pakistan has joined the World AI Cooperation Organization, a China-led initiative promoting transparency, openness, and cooperation in AI. The organization has attracted around fifty member countries, with its headquarters in Shanghai, and Pakistan has signed its founding document. The first council meeting is expected to take place in mid-December.
In response to a calling attention notice, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari announced the introduction of a targeted subsidy system for power consumers, with plans to increase the threshold for protected consumers to two hundred and fifty units. He noted that the circular debt has declined to approximately 1.6 trillion rupees over the past two and a half years.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also assured the Senate that efforts are being made to reopen the ‘Sunday Bazaar’ at Peshawar Mor in Islamabad. Consultations with the Islamabad Administration are ongoing to facilitate the reopening, enabling consumers to access essential commodities at reduced rates. The bazaars were initially established to allow growers to sell their produce directly to consumers at affordable prices.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday at three p.m.