Govt prioritizing promotion of IT, AI to strengthen economy: PM

Condemns terrorist attack on police training center in D I Khan

LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that the government is giving top priority to the promotion of information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy. Chairing a high-level meeting on the promotion of artificial intelligence here on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that AI would be used effectively for the development of the national economy. He emphasized that the implementation of a digital economy would become more efficient through the integration of artificial intelligence.

Shehbaz Sharif directed the formulation of a steering committee to promote and ensure the implementation of AI across various sectors. He further stated that the national policy on artificial intelligence would be implemented in letter and spirit.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of data protection, data sovereignty, and responsible use of AI, saying that these principles must be kept in mind while utilizing artificial intelligence technologies.

During the meeting, participants were briefed on the steps taken by the government to promote AI. It was informed that an expert-based AI advisory panel is being formed to guide the implementation process.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bilal Bin Saqib, and other senior government officials and AI experts.

Meanwhile, PM strongly condemned the terrorist attack by the Khawarij militants on the police training center in Dera Ismail Khan.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the PM paid rich tribute to the seven police personnel who embraced martyrdom while bravely resisting the terrorists. He offered prayers for the elevation of their ranks and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

The Prime Minister also prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the attack and directed the authorities concerned to ensure all possible medical assistance to them. Shehbaz Sharif said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have always been on the front line in the war against terrorism and have rendered countless sacrifices for the country’s peace and security. “The entire nation salutes the martyrs,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot shake the government’s firm resolve to root out terrorism.

“We are fully determined to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations from the country,” he reaffirmed. Staff Report