PM sets November deadline for AI projects under Alibaba partnership

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the relevant ministries to complete all necessary measures by November for projects under Pakistan's strategic partnership with Alibaba Group. The projects aim to promote artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and technology-driven economic growth.

Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad, he stressed that effective use of AI and modern technology was essential to improving trade, exports, agricultural productivity, business facilitation and public services. He welcomed Alibaba's cooperation in promoting Pakistani agricultural exports to Chinese markets and called for modernising agriculture through automation.

The prime minister also directed that all projects under the partnership be implemented with clear targets, timelines and effective monitoring mechanisms. He asked ministries to submit progress reports so the partnership delivers tangible results.

The meeting was briefed on progress in several areas. Work is under way on AI-based agricultural models, tobacco track-and-trace technology and digital platforms for citrus fruit and olive exports. A dedicated Pakistan Pavilion has been established on Alibaba's platform to promote Pakistani products internationally.

A digital verification system for trade documents through Pakistan Single Window has been activated. A two-year programme is also being launched with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) and Alibaba to help small and medium-sized enterprises reach global markets through training and e-commerce.

Mr Sharif directed authorities to expedite a proposed pilot project for AI-assisted cancer diagnosis. He also called for the early launch of a 15-day AI training programme for IT graduates under the Ignite programme, in collaboration with Alibaba.

In the energy sector, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is being given AI and business intelligence tools to analyse fuel supply chain data, and the prime minister asked for faster introduction of an analytics system to monitor petroleum product supplies. The meeting also reviewed a modern data platform and central data hub for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL).

Initiatives to bring AI and digital technologies to higher education, railways, postal services and urban management are nearing completion. The prime minister recalled that a memorandum of understanding was signed with Alibaba at its Hangzhou headquarters during his visit to China. Several federal ministers and senior officials attended.