Pakistan to Host Indus AI Week 2026 to Accelerate National AI Adoption

PAKISTAN

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, on Tuesday announced the launch of Indus AI Week 2026, a flagship national initiative on artificial intelligence, scheduled to be held from February 9 to 15, 2026.

Indus AI Week 2026 aims to position Pakistan as a country committed to advancing artificial intelligence at scale by fostering collaboration among government, industry, academia, startups, and the broader technology ecosystem. The initiative seeks to build awareness, strengthen national capacity, promote responsible AI adoption, and encourage practical, sector-wide engagement.

Organised by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through a public-private partnership, Indus AI Week has been conceived as an open and inclusive, week-long national platform for AI learning, exploration, and participation. The programme will bring together policymakers, technology leaders, enterprises, universities, startups, students, and the general public in Islamabad and across the country.

Key features of the week include a national technology showcase, startup and innovation spotlights linking founders with investors, skills training and certification opportunities for students and professionals, a gaming and experiential AI arena, and interactive public engagement activities. These components are designed to demystify artificial intelligence and translate policy dialogue into hands-on learning and real-world adoption.

Announcing the initiative, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that following the introduction of Pakistan’s National AI Policy last year, Indus AI Week represents a shift from discussion to implementation. She said the initiative would help connect policy, industry, and talent while positioning Pakistan as a credible participant in the global AI ecosystem.

Indus AI Week will open with the Indus AI Summit at the Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad, on February 9, followed by Innovation, Learning, and Engagement activities at the Islamabad Sports Complex on February 9–10. Co-branded AI events will continue nationwide through February 15, marking a significant step toward Pakistan’s digital future. – ER News Desk

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