Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan had set the target while addressing the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, China.

He said the government was also establishing seven AI centres to connect research, skills, startups and industry.

The centres form part of a wider push to develop Pakistan’s artificial intelligence ecosystem and prepare workers for the digital economy.

Seven AI Hubs to Support Training

Iqbal said the government planned to provide 20,000 training opportunities through its national AI initiatives.

The broader AI roadmap aims to expand skills beyond traditional technology professionals. It also seeks to make AI useful across sectors such as agriculture, industry, mining and energy.

The Planning Ministry has separately launched AI initiatives under the Uraan Pakistan framework. These programmes focus on youth participation, innovation and practical AI applications.

Pakistan’s national AI strategy also includes plans for AI education, research and innovation. The government has described artificial intelligence as a key part of its digital transformation agenda.

More Than 4.5 Million Register for DigiSkills

Iqbal also highlighted the reach of the DigiSkills programme.

He said more than 4.5 million people had registered under the programme so far.

The government wants to build on existing digital skills programmes as it expands AI training.

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Earlier government initiatives have already focused on training young people in AI and other emerging technologies. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications has also reported plans for large-scale AI upskilling for non-IT professionals.

Pakistan Seeks Greater SCO Cooperation on AI

Iqbal also said Pakistan had proposed key initiatives for cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

At the Urumqi forum, he highlighted the need for regional collaboration in digital trade, AI infrastructure and governance.

Pakistan has proposed cooperation on joint AI infrastructure and governance, including research, multilingual AI models, university partnerships and human resource development.

The minister also stressed the importance of ensuring that digital development reaches women, young people, rural communities, farmers and small businesses.

AI Skills Seen as Part of Digital Economy

The government has increasingly linked AI training with Pakistan’s wider economic transformation plans.

The national AI policy includes a target of training one million AI professionals by 2030. Other initiatives focus on scholarships, research, AI products and wider access to AI education.

The latest push places greater emphasis on workers outside the traditional IT sector.

The government aims to use AI skills to improve productivity and create new opportunities across Pakistan’s economy.