Pakistan’s government is accelerating AI and digitalisation initiatives covering cancer detection, agriculture, petroleum supply monitoring, export promotion and training for IT graduates.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant ministries to complete the necessary measures for artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation projects under Pakistan’s strategic partnership with Alibaba Group by November and submit progress reports.
Shehbaz issued the directives on Wednesday while chairing a meeting in Islamabad to review the use of AI and digital technologies in the economy and governance, according to the report.
The initiatives cover agricultural automation, export promotion, AI-assisted cancer detection, petroleum supply-chain monitoring and digital services for businesses. The prime minister called for clear targets, defined timelines and effective monitoring to ensure the projects deliver measurable results.
AI projects target agriculture and exports
The meeting reviewed work on AI-based agricultural models, tobacco track-and-trace technology and digital platforms intended to facilitate exports of citrus fruits and olives.
A dedicated Pakistan Pavilion has also been established on Alibaba’s platform to promote Pakistani products in international markets, according to the Prime Minister’s Office briefing.
Shehbaz welcomed Alibaba’s cooperation in helping Pakistani agricultural products reach Chinese markets and called for greater use of automation to modernise the country’s agriculture sector.
The government also aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access international customers through digital commerce. A two-year programme involving the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Alibaba is being launched to provide businesses with training and e-commerce opportunities.
OGRA to strengthen petroleum supply monitoring
In the energy sector, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is being provided with AI and business-intelligence tools to analyse petroleum supply-chain data.
Shehbaz directed authorities to accelerate the introduction of an analytics system to improve monitoring of petroleum product supplies. The initiative is intended to strengthen oversight through data analysis; the government has not announced specific results from the system in the meeting report.
The meeting also reviewed plans for a modern data platform and central data hub for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL).
Digital technology and AI initiatives in higher education, railways, postal services and urban management were also reported to be nearing completion.
Digital trade documents and business access
The meeting was informed that digital verification of trade documents through the Pakistan Single Window had become operational.
The platform is part of wider efforts to streamline trade-related processes and support businesses involved in imports and exports. The government is also seeking closer cooperation with Alibaba to help Pakistani SMEs reach overseas markets.
Shehbaz said the partnership should translate into tangible outcomes through clear responsibilities, deadlines and monitoring. He recalled that a memorandum of understanding with Alibaba had been signed at the company’s headquarters in Hangzhou during his visit to China.
