Pareesa Afreen 
Dec 19, 2025
An undated image of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. — APP
Pakistan has moved on the path to develop a future-proof workforce by starting the free artificial intelligence (AI) skills training programme for the youth.
The programme is led by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), allied with the NETSOL Institute of Artificial Intelligence, with the aim to develop the relevant skills within the youth of Pakistan.
The training is being launched under the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan Vision and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. It is aimed at providing training in the most emerging and in-demand fields, such as AI, machine learning, data science, and cyber security.
According to the government officials, this training programme has been designed to make the youth ‘industry-ready’ in terms of technology.
The collaboration between NAVTTC and NETSOL is also an example of the government’s efforts to provide training according to industry needs, and this training is completely free of cost.
Reportedly, the training session will take place for three months in the city of Lahore. The candidates required for this programme must be in the age group of 18-40 years.
The basic qualification required for the candidates is that they should have done 16 years of education in information technology, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, economics, or any engineering field. Even those candidates whose seventh or eighth semester has been completed can apply.
Officials said the initiative aims to create a new generation of digitally skilled professionals capable of competing internationally while supporting national economic growth.
Applications for the free AI skills training programme are open online, with the deadline set for January 10, 2026. NAVTTC officials encouraged eligible candidates to apply early, noting strong interest in digital skills programmes across the country.
