Tech Desk 
Dec 07, 2025
The federal government on Saturday announced a major plan of AI modernisation, as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Industries and Production (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan announced that a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) Centre will be established at Pakistan Industrial Technical Assistance Centre (PITAC) in Lahore.
The SAPM stated: "The AI Centre at PITAC will later be expanded to all provinces, in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to promote industrial growth through advanced AI skills and innovation.
"The prime minister has already ordered the launch of AI Skills Programs and AI Centres for youth across Pakistan," added the SAPM.
He said that the machinery upgradation at PITAC will strengthen skills development for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), letting them meet global industrial standards. PITAC management has also formally requested an increase in the grant to address its upgradation challenges.
PITAC, the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), and Technology Upgradation and Skill Development Company (TUSDEC) will collectively for AI development and machinery upgradation, along with establishing a dedicated funding mechanism to support modernisation across sectors.
Under the national industrial policy, both PIDC and PITAC will be encouraged to support innovation, local manufacturing, and technical advancement. Currently, PITAC manufactures industrial machinery and tools at the local level, playing a vital role in import substitution.
