Bridging Gaps in Pakistan’s AI Roadmap: opportunities, Challenges and Way Forward

The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) hosted a thought-provoking seminar on “Bridging Gaps in Pakistan’s AI Roadmap: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward.” The session brought together leading voices from academia, industry, and policy to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform Pakistan’s economy, governance, and social landscape. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national AI policy framework that integrates innovation, regulation, and human capital development. Speakers highlighted the current gaps in Pakistan’s AI ecosystem—ranging from limited research infrastructure and talent shortages to policy disconnects and data accessibility issues. Ms. Suniya Shahid discussed the role of startups and private-sector innovation in accelerating AI adoption, while Dr. Aneel Salman focused on AI’s link with economic security and the strategic importance of technological self-reliance. Dr. Najeeb Ullah shared insights on government initiatives and planning frameworks under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Dr. Naveed Iftikhar underscored the need for capacity building, digital literacy, and cross-sector collaboration to foster an AI-driven future. Moderator Mr. Wajid Islam steered the conversation toward policy alignment and institutional readiness, stressing the importance of evidence-based research in shaping Pakistan’s AI roadmap. The seminar concluded with a consensus that Pakistan must move beyond pilot projects toward sustainable AI integration, supported by strong data governance, education reform, and public-private partnerships. This session reflects PIDE’s ongoing commitment to fostering policy-relevant dialogue on emerging technologies and their socio-economic implications. Moderator: Mr. Wajid Islam, Research Economist, PIDE Speakers: Ms. Suniya Shahid – CEO & Co-founder, TechVention Dr. Aneel Salman – OGDCL-IPRI Chair (Economic Security) Dr. Najeeb Ullah – Member Science & Technology, Planning Commission Dr. Naveed Iftikhar – Co-Founder, Atomcamp #ArtificialIntelligence #AIPolicy #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #Technology #MachineLearning #DataGovernance #DigitalPakistan #AIEcosystem #Startups #TechIndustry #EconomicGrowth #PublicPolicy #AIRoadmap #DigitalSkills #HumanCapital #ResearchAndDevelopment #Automation #FutureOfWork #SmartGovernance #EducationReform #CapacityBuilding #EconomicSecurity #PolicyFramework #SustainableDevelopment #DigitalEconomy #AIStrategy #TechnologicalInnovation #PublicPrivatePartnership #AIIntegration