Pakistan is considering a major expansion of its National AI Skills Program to reach young people beyond major urban centres. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication plans to target rural, remote and underserved areas.
The proposed expansion aims to create better employment opportunities while widening access to digital skills. It would also strengthen Pakistan’s capabilities in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Government Plans Wider Access to AI Training
According to a ministry document, the government already operates training programs in several technology fields. These include 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. The target covers IT and related technologies over five years.
The policy also aims to equip 10,000 trainers with emerging technology skills by 2027. Meanwhile, several other initiatives are supporting technology-focused training across the country.
These initiatives include the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative, Google certification training for government employees and the National AI Upskilling Program with Meta.
The government also runs DigiSkills and Code4AI programs. In addition, the National AI Innovation Hub forms part of the broader skills development efforts.
DigiSkills Delivers More Than 900,000 Training Sessions
More than 900,000 training sessions were delivered through various DigiSkills courses during fiscal year 2025-26.
Meanwhile, Code4AI is planned to train 7,500 people in AI-driven full-stack development and related technologies. These initiatives form part of the government’s broader efforts to expand technology skills.
However, access remains uneven across rural and underserved communities. The ministry has identified several barriers that could limit participation in these areas.
Connectivity and Training Facilities Remain Key Challenges
Limited training facilities remain one of the major obstacles to expanding technology education. Poor connectivity also makes access to online learning more difficult.
The ministry has also identified a shortage of qualified instructors as another challenge. Furthermore, low awareness about available training opportunities could restrict participation.
To address these gaps, the government is considering regional training hubs and online learning options. Hybrid learning could also help connect students with training where physical facilities remain limited.
The proposed approach would also involve partnerships with universities and industry. Scholarships and targeted support for women and disadvantaged groups are among the other measures under consideration.
Government May Assess Underserved Regions
Before expanding the program, the ministry may conduct a nationwide needs assessment. The assessment would identify underserved regions and determine priority skills.
The findings could then help authorities prepare a phased expansion plan. This approach would allow training needs to be assessed before new programs are introduced.
The proposed expansion could also include specialized courses in several emerging technology fields. These areas include artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, cybersecurity and cloud computing.
Mobile Training and Regional Technology Centres Proposed
The ministry is also considering online learning platforms and mobile training facilities. Regional technology centres could provide additional opportunities for people living outside major urban areas.
Together, these proposals aim to address geographical and infrastructure-related barriers to technology education. They could also expand access to emerging technology skills among underserved communities.
The proposed National AI Skills Program expansion therefore focuses on taking training opportunities closer to communities with limited access. At the same time, the government is considering multiple delivery methods to support wider participation.
If implemented, the plan would combine regional facilities, digital learning and partnerships to expand access. It would also focus on priority technologies linked to Pakistan’s growing digital skills needs.
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