Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has held talks with senior officials from Alibaba Cloud during her visit to China. The Chinese technology company expressed strong interest in Punjab’s growing IT sector.
According to an official statement, Alibaba Cloud officials praised Punjab’s initiatives to introduce artificial intelligence into governance.
The meeting explored potential AI applications in several key areas. These included agriculture, healthcare, social welfare programmes, and climate forecasting.
Both sides also discussed developing a strategic partnership to use AI in public services across Punjab.
Punjab Expands AI-Based Governance
Maryam Nawaz said her government is integrating artificial intelligence into Punjab’s governance system.
“We are pursuing a policy of using artificial intelligence and other technologies today rather than tomorrow,” she said.
The chief minister also highlighted Punjab’s efforts to expand technology-based public services. She said the province had become the first in Pakistan to introduce an artificial intelligence policy.
Furthermore, Maryam discussed plans to introduce AI education in government schools. She explained that the idea emerged after observing students in Beijing during her China visit.
“The idea of teaching artificial intelligence to children in government schools came after seeing students in Beijing,” she said.
She added that Punjab would welcome Chinese cooperation in AI and other information technology fields.
Alibaba Cloud Discusses Future Cooperation
Maryam also highlighted Punjab’s young and skilled workforce. She said the province has the fourth-largest young skilled workforce and leads in the country’s digital economy.
The chief minister added that Punjab has also focused on developing AI skills among government officials. Members of the provincial cabinet have received AI training as part of these efforts.
During the meeting, Alibaba Cloud Senior Vice President Li Jiaping briefed Maryam about the company’s operations.
The two sides also discussed potential opportunities for small and medium enterprises serving overseas Pakistanis.
Meanwhile, Maryam highlighted Punjab’s healthcare ambitions, including plans to build the world’s largest public-sector cancer hospital.
The discussions could open new opportunities for cooperation between Punjab and Alibaba Cloud. In particular, AI-based solutions could support public services, healthcare, agriculture, and climate-related planning across the province.
