Pakistan has launched the Artificial Intelligence Education and Government Digital Transformation Program in partnership with Meta and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT).

The initiative marks a major step toward advancing AI-driven innovation, digital literacy, and public sector modernization across the country.

The event, titled 'Future in Focus: AI and Innovation', was organized jointly by Meta and MoITT in Islamabad. It brought together government leaders, industry experts, and academia to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and promote digital transformation nationwide.

The event was inaugurated by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating technology into education, governance, and the economy under the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision.

She said that Pakistan is moving toward a brighter, tech-empowered future, where technology will empower every citizen. The partnership with Meta, she added, reflects the government’s commitment to innovation, digital inclusion, and AI education.

Meta AI introduces Urdu language support

During the event, Meta AI announced Alif, the addition of the Urdu language to its platform, enabling Pakistani users to communicate with Meta AI in both Urdu and English.

The inclusion of Urdu was described as a milestone for linguistic inclusion, helping more Pakistanis access information, express themselves, and engage with technology in their native language. 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, NCEAC, and Atomcamp, 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 to announce that Meta AI now supports Urdu, opening up new opportunities for local communities to engage with technology in their own language.”

Launch of AI education, innovation initiatives

The program includes several initiatives aimed at empowering Pakistan’s public sector and academic community. Meta introduced the localised version of its 'Transforming Public Sector Innovation in Asia Pacific with Llama' guide, developed in partnership with Deloitte and supported by the Ministry of IT.

The guide showcases how Meta’s open-source AI model, Llama, can streamline government operations, improve public services, and strengthen data sovereignty, paving the way for a more efficient digital governance framework in Pakistan.

Building AI-literate academic ecosystem

Earlier this year, MoITT, in collaboration with Meta, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the National Computing and Emerging Sciences Accreditation Council (NCEAC), and Atomcamp, launched an AI Literacy Programme to upskill 350 non-computer science faculty members from universities across Pakistan.

The program equips educators with core AI competencies, ensuring that AI education extends beyond computer science disciplines and reaches students across fields.

Fizza Amjad, CEO of Atomcamp, highlighted the program’s impact: “By equipping non-technical faculty with AI knowledge, we’re creating a ripple effect that will reach thousands of students and strengthen the link between academia and industry. This initiative ensures that AI understanding extends beyond computer science, shaping how future professionals engage with emerging technologies.”

Advancing Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda

The Artificial Intelligence Education and Government Digital Transformation Program underscores Pakistan’s growing focus on technological self-reliance and global collaboration.

Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja praised Meta’s contribution to promoting AI education, digital innovation, and transformation in public and educational institutions, calling the Urdu inclusion in Meta AI a significant milestone for Pakistan’s digital journey.

She reaffirmed that under the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, Pakistan will continue to invest in technology-led empowerment, digital governance, and inclusive growth.