LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz 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.
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 Special Project Team, overseeing the roadmap’s implementation.
During a briefing on the AI roadmap on Thursday, Provincial Adviser on AI Ali Dar informed a meeting that the initiative was expected to generate more than 100,000 employment opportunities over the next three years. The programme can also increase Punjab’s GDP by 5 to 10 per cent and potentially raise foreign exchange reserves by $10 billion 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 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.
