Pakistan has officially launched a major national initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across its economy and society. The country's Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced the Indus AI Week 2026, a flagship event scheduled to run from February 9 to 15, 2026.
A National Platform for AI Advancement
The week-long initiative is designed to position Pakistan as a committed player in the global artificial intelligence landscape. It seeks to move beyond theoretical discussions and into practical, widespread adoption. The program is conceived as an open and inclusive platform that will bring together a diverse cross-section of Pakistani society.
Government bodies, industry leaders, academic institutions, startups, and the general public are all intended to participate. The core goals are to strengthen public awareness of AI, build technical capability, encourage responsible use of the technology, and foster hands-on engagement across various economic sectors.
From Policy to Practice
Minister Khawaja linked the new initiative directly to Pakistan's existing National AI Policy, which was introduced the previous year. "With the introduction of Pakistan’s National AI Policy last year, we laid the foundation for responsible and inclusive AI development," Khawaja stated. "Indus AI Week reflects our determination to take that work further by moving beyond dialogue and toward adoption."
She emphasized that the event is meant to connect policy frameworks with industrial application and talent development, thereby establishing Pakistan as a credible participant in the global AI ecosystem. The Minister also extended an invitation to international partners, investors, and innovators to engage with Pakistan's growing tech landscape.
Event Structure and Activities
Organized through a public-private partnership by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, the week will feature a packed agenda focused on learning and participation. The opening event will be the Indus AI Summit at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad on February 9.
This will be followed by the Innovation, Learning and Engagement Arena at the Islamabad Sports Complex on February 9 and 10. Throughout the entire week, universities, companies, and public institutions across Pakistan will host co-branded AI activities.
The planned program includes:
- A national technology showcase highlighting local innovations.
- Startup spotlights connecting founders with potential investors.
- Skills training and certification opportunities for students and professionals.
- An experiential AI and gaming arena.
- Interactive public engagement activities designed to demystify AI technology.
Together, these elements aim to translate high-level conversations about artificial intelligence into tangible learning and collaboration opportunities for a broad audience.
Indus AI Week 2026 represents a significant step in Pakistan's strategic embrace of artificial intelligence as a cornerstone for national progress and international collaboration. By creating a centralized, national forum, the country hopes to catalyze a wave of innovation and practical application of AI technologies.
