KARACHI, Pakistan 

Pakistan on Wednesday approved its first-ever national artificial intelligence (AI) policy to utilize the potential of AI and associated technologies for national growth.

The "National AI Policy 2025" was approved by the Cabinet, which met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair in the capital Islamabad, a statement from his office said.

With emphasis on capacity building, innovation, and creation of new employment opportunities, the policy has been prepared by the Ministry of Information Technology, which has announced an ambitious goal to provide training to one million individuals in AI over the next three years.

"The policy is aimed at coping with the current challenges, providing technology access to a common man, and developing a complete AI ecosystem in the country," the statement said.

Sharif said the new policy will provide opportunities to the youths, who make up over 60% of the country's total population of over 240 million, in the AI field to improve the national income.

The government is already utilizing AI for reforms to improve the country's tax collection system.

The Cabinet was informed that the new policy will help excel in the sectors of public services, agriculture, economic collaboration, skill development, and employment, aside from creating some 10,000 trainers to assist this endeavor.

Under the policy framework, an "AI Innovation Fund" will be set up to support new ventures and startups by the private sector in the field of education, research, and industrial initiatives.

Some 3,000 AI scholarships every year will also be provided until 2028.

Other policy features include cybersecurity, national data security, the environment, and the inclusion of AI in the public sector.