PNN: The capital city, Islamabad, witnessed the opening of Indus AI Week 2026, a landmark event signaling Pakistan’s growing focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the week-long initiative, describing it as a national effort to fast-track innovation and digital progress.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the government is actively working to prepare the younger generation for the demands of a technology-driven world. He pointed to key measures such as laptop distribution programs, the creation of e-libraries, and broad digital upgrades within the education system.
He underscored Pakistan’s steady progress, noting achievements like the launch of the country’s first Safe City project in Lahore and the establishment of Pakistan’s first dedicated IT university. According to him, these initiatives reflect a unified national commitment to modernization.
The Prime Minister also highlighted governance reforms, including the adoption of e-stamp papers and the digitization of land records, which have improved transparency, boosted state revenues, and minimized corruption in revenue-related departments. He added that the complete digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue has strengthened transparency in tax administration, while modern scanning technology at ports has helped combat smuggling.
Emphasizing the country’s demographic advantage, Shehbaz Sharif said nearly 60 percent of Pakistan’s population consists of young people whose potential must be developed through education and skills training. He expressed confidence that Pakistan is now positioned to compete internationally in the field of artificial intelligence.
He further announced that AI-focused education has been introduced in schools across Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan, describing the move as a crucial step toward building a future-ready, technology-based economy.