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ISLAMABAD, Oct 27 (APP):Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Monday said the government initiated Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to equip teachers and youth with modern technological skills.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of a Meta-organized event titled “Future in Focus: AI and Innovation,” she said the government began by training educators, teachers, and professors, as training them meant preparing future generations.
“So far, more than 350 educators have been trained in various aspects of AI,” she said, adding that the government aimed to train an additional 650 individuals under the ‘Trainers of Trainers’ program to further expand the scope of AI education across the country.
The minister said that alongside these efforts, AI training was also being provided through multiple platforms to help establish a strong and dynamic digital ecosystem in Pakistan.
She said that the federal government had approved the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, under which training programs for youth and educators were being conducted nationwide.
“It is crucial to understand that policy-making alone is not enough — ensuring effective implementation is what truly matters,” she said, adding that in the past, many policies and laws were passed without proper follow-up.
“The National AI Policy rests on key pillars, including youth training, the creation of an enabling ecosystem, and the development of essential human resources,” Shaza Fatima said.
The event was organized by Meta in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), brought together government leaders, industry experts, and academia to accelerate the adoption of AI and digital innovation across Pakistan.
At the event, Meta announced a series of initiatives to empower Pakistan’s public sector and local communities. Among these, Meta revealed the expansion of Meta AI’s language capabilities, enabling users in Pakistan to interact with the technology in both English and Urdu.
This advancement will allow more people to discover information, express themselves, and stay connected in their preferred language.
Meta also introduced a localized version of its “Transforming Public Sector Innovation in Asia Pacific with Llama” guide, developed in partnership with Deloitte. Supported by the Ministry, the guide demonstrates how Meta’s open-source AI model, Llama, can streamline government operations, enhance public services, and uphold data sovereignty.
It also offers best practices for secure and sustainable AI deployment, drawing on successful case studies from across the Asia Pacific region, including Pakistan.
Additionally, Meta, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC), MoITT, and Atomcamp, announced the launch of an AI Literacy Program.
The initiative aims to upskill 350 non-computer science faculty members across Pakistani universities, equipping them with essential AI competencies to prepare the next generation for the future of work.
The Government Digital Transformation Xperience (GDTX) 2025 program was also introduced to support Pakistani government organizations by sharing Meta’s technologies, solutions, and best practices. The program will bring together experts from both the public and private sectors to exchange practical insights and strategies that inspire digital transformation.
Vice Chair of the NCEAC, Dr Syed Mansoor Sarwar highlighted that strengthening computing education in Pakistan required capacity building among faculty members. “Our collaboration with Meta provides a valuable opportunity to empower educators to play a leading role in shaping AI education and digital innovation,” he said.
Fizza Amjad, CEO of Atomcamp, said, “By equipping non-technical faculty with AI knowledge, we’re creating a ripple effect that will reach thousands of students and bridge academia with industry. This initiative ensures that AI literacy extends beyond computer science, shaping how future professionals across disciplines engage with emerging technologies.”
Sarim Aziz, Director of Public Policy for South and Central Asia at Meta, said, “Meta is deeply committed to supporting Pakistan’s vision for AI-driven growth and innovation. Through our collaboration with MoITT, HEC, and NCEAC, and the launch of these new initiatives, we aim to help the public sector and academia harness AI to drive digital transformation for the benefit of people across Pakistan. We’re also excited that Meta AI now supports Urdu, opening up new opportunities for local communities to engage with technology in their own language.”
These initiatives reflect Meta’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s progress in AI and digital governance. By collaborating with partners to build digital skills, promote responsible AI adoption, and foster innovation, Meta aims to help drive technological advancement and improve public service delivery across the country.