Pakistan has taken a major step toward digital innovation. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), in partnership with Meta, has launched the Artificial Intelligence Education and Government Digital Transformation Program.
The initiative will strengthen AI education, digital literacy, and public sector innovation across the country. It aligns with the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, which aims to make Pakistan a technology-driven society.
The launch event, “Future in Focus: AI and Innovation,” held in Islamabad, brought together experts from government, academia, and industry. Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government is committed to creating a tech-empowered Pakistan where every citizen benefits from innovation.
Meta AI Adds Urdu Language Support
One of the most exciting announcements was the introduction of Urdu support in Meta AI under the project named “Alif.” This feature allows users to communicate with Meta AI in both Urdu and English.
This milestone makes technology more accessible to millions of Pakistanis. It helps them engage, learn, and innovate in their own language.
Sarim Aziz, Director of Public Policy for South and Central Asia at Meta, said:
“Meta is proud to support Pakistan’s vision for AI-driven growth. By adding Urdu, we’re helping more people connect and engage with technology in meaningful ways.”
This update promotes linguistic inclusion and strengthens Pakistan’s journey toward digital inclusion.
Empowering Academia Through AI Education
Meta and MoITT are also working to expand AI literacy in Pakistan’s education sector. Together with HEC, NCEAC, and Atomcamp, they launched an AI Literacy Program earlier this year.
The program trains 350 non-computer science faculty members from universities nationwide. It ensures that AI education reaches students from all disciplines, not just technology.
Fizza Amjad, CEO of Atomcamp, said the initiative creates a “ripple effect” by empowering teachers and students alike. This collaboration builds an AI-ready academic ecosystem that supports innovation across all fields.
AI Innovation for Digital Governance
Meta also introduced a localized version of its guide titled “Transforming Public Sector Innovation in Asia Pacific with Llama,” created with Deloitte.
The guide explains how open-source AI models like Llama can help governments improve data management, public service delivery, and digital governance. It also promotes transparency and efficiency in administrative systems.
With these tools, Pakistan’s public sector can streamline operations and better serve citizens.
A Milestone in Pakistan’s Digital Journey
The new AI Education and Digital Transformation Program shows Pakistan’s growing commitment to technological progress. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the inclusion of Urdu in Meta AI a “significant step” toward national digital empowerment.
She reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to invest in AI innovation, digital governance, and inclusive growth to build a smarter and stronger economy.
Key Highlights
- Meta AI now supports Urdu, promoting language inclusivity.
- AI literacy programs launched for university faculty nationwide.
- Llama AI guide introduced to modernize Pakistan’s public sector.
- Meta and MoITT partnership strengthens Pakistan’s digital future.
Conclusion
The partnership between Meta AI and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT marks a turning point in the country’s digital evolution. With Urdu language support and a strong focus on AI education, Pakistan is moving closer to becoming a digitally empowered nation where innovation benefits everyone.
