By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved Punjab’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap, setting an ambitious target to transform the province into South Asia’s leading AI-driven region by 2029.
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Under the initiative, the world’s first AI Delivery Unit will be established in Punjab to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across governance and public services. The chief minister will serve as the chairperson of both the AI Delivery Unit and the Special Project Team overseeing the roadmap’s implementation.
During a briefing on the AI roadmap, Provincial Adviser on AI Ali Dar informed the meeting that the initiative is expected to generate more than 100,000 employment opportunities over the next three years. The programme could also increase Punjab’s GDP by 5 to 10 percent and potentially raise foreign exchange reserves by $10 to $20 billion through technology-led growth.
The roadmap outlines the development of key pillars including AI infrastructure, AI administration, AI citizen services, job skills development, AI-driven economic growth and AI governance. Four cross-functional teams will be established focusing on special projects, data management, strategic operations and strategic communications.
The chief minister also approved the establishment of an AI Technical Advisory Board, directing that leading experts in the field be included to guide the initiative.
According to the implementation timeline, the Punjab AI Roadmap Manifesto will be launched in March, followed by the international launch of the AI Delivery Unit in June. An AI Governance Policy will be introduced in July, while a Global Tech Partnership and Citizen Portal will be launched in August to coincide with Independence Day celebrations.
Further milestones include the launch of a Health Board App in September, integration of AI-based systems for smog monitoring and mitigation in October, and the Kissan AI Board in November. The chief minister also directed that agriculture interns be integrated into the Kissan AI Bot to support farmers with modern advisory tools.
Officials informed the meeting that AI curriculum has already been introduced in 100 schools across Punjab, while an additional 155 schools will begin teaching artificial intelligence from April.
Ms Sharif said the government intends to enhance the capacity and efficiency of every sector through the use of artificial intelligence. She emphasised that the AI roadmap would help harness the potential of the youth and bring young talent together under a unified technological vision for the province.
