• Says secret to Pakistan’s development lies in digitalisation
• Ogra to introduce AI-based supply chain monitoring system
• Premier seeks reforms in railways, timely completion of housing projects
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for swift implementation of Pakistan’s strategic partnership with global marketing company Alibaba, saying artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation could boost trade, exports, agricultural productivity and governance.
Chairing a meeting to review progress on the use of AI and digital technologies in the economy and public administration, the prime minister stressed that the partnership must deliver tangible results through clearly defined targets, timelines and effective monitoring.
“The secret to Pakistan’s development lies in artificial intelligence and digitalisation,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) quoted him as saying. He said modern technology could play a vital role in improving trade, exports, agricultural productivity, ease of doing business and the quality of public services.
The prime minister welcomed Alibaba’s cooperation in facilitating Pakistani agricultural exports to China and promoting automation in the agriculture sector, saying its modernisation was essential for national development.
He directed the relevant authorities to complete all necessary measures by November and submit a progress report.
The prime minister directed the authorities to implement an AI-assisted cancer early-detection system at the earliest in collaboration with Alibaba. He also ordered the launch of a 15-day AI training programme for IT graduates under the Ministry of Information Technology’s Ignite programme, in collaboration with the company.
Recalling that a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Alibaba at its headquarters in Hangzhou during his visit to China in May, Mr Shehbaz said the government’s priorities included leveraging the partnership to improve small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) access to international markets and create opportunities for technology-driven development.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) was directed to introduce an analytics-based system to monitor the petroleum products supply chain, with the PMO saying AI tools were being provided to the regulator.
The Export Promotion Board was also instructed to work with Alibaba to help increase Pakistan’s exports. The meeting was informed that work was under way on AI-based agricultural models, track-and-trace technology for tobacco, and digital platforms to facilitate exports of citrus fruits and olives.
A dedicated Pakistan pavilion has been established on Alibaba’s platform to promote Pakistani products in international markets. A system for digital verification of trade documents through Pakistan Single Window has also become operational, according to the PMO.
In addition, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) and Alibaba are launching a two-year programme to help SMEs access international markets and benefit from training and e-commerce opportunities.
The meeting reviewed progress on an advanced data platform and a central data hub for the Federal Board of Revenue and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited, as well as a proposed pilot project for AI-assisted cancer diagnosis.
Initiatives to introduce digital technologies and AI in higher education, railways, postal services and urban administration were also in their final stages of completion, the statement said.
Support for railways
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz met Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and assured him of the government’s full support for improving the performance and standards of Pakistan Railways.
According to the PMO, they discussed administrative, financial and reform-related matters concerning the ministry. Mr Abbasi briefed the prime minister on the department’s performance and ongoing projects.
The meeting also discussed measures to improve freight services and provide modern facilities to passengers.
Housing schemes
Later, the prime minister directed the Ministry of Housing and Works to ensure the timely completion of residential projects with full transparency and high-quality standards.
He issued the directives during a meeting with Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada at Prime Minister House.
The two discussed matters relating to the ministry and its ongoing development projects. Mr Pirzada briefed the prime minister on progress on housing schemes.
Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2026
