Digital push: Ministry proposes two major initiatives

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has proposed two major technology initiatives set to launch in 2026 — a USD1 billion National AI Ecosystem Development Program (NAIEDP) and a Rs70 billion Pakistan Digital Infrastructure Connectivity Plan including mobile broadband, fiberization and regional corridor — signalling an ambitious push to transform the country’s digital landscape over the next five years. According to official documents, the National AI Ecosystem Development Program will run from 2026 to 2031 with a total allocation of USD1 billion (approximately Rs288 billion). An initial USD100 million (Rs28.8 billion) has been proposed for fiscal year 2026-27. Physical and financial progress currently stand at 0 percent, with implementation scheduled to begin in 2026-27.