PNN: The Higher Education Commission has directed all public and private universities across Pakistan to introduce a mandatory three-credit-hour course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.
The decision has been taken in view of the rapidly evolving global educational and technological landscape, where AI is playing an increasingly important role in sectors such as education, healthcare, the economy and governance.
In a letter addressed to vice chancellors and heads of universities, the Executive Director of the HEC stated that AI education is no longer optional but a pressing necessity. He stressed the need to equip students with digital literacy, ethical responsibility, awareness of data privacy and transparency, as well as an understanding of the social impact of AI to help them meet international standards.
The letter clarified that universities may offer the course as an elective, an interdisciplinary subject or as a supporting course within existing programmes. The curriculum must cover fundamental AI concepts, applications across various fields, ethical considerations, fairness and accountability, while institutions may tailor the content according to the nature of their academic programmes.
According to the directive, the mandatory AI course will be implemented across all degree programmes starting from the Fall 2026 academic session.