Pakistan Launches National ACT AI Initiative to Train Thousands of Students in Emerging Tech

In a significant step toward advancing digital skills and preparing youth for the global economy, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed at the Prime Minister’s Office to launch the ACT AI Initiative, Awareness, Competency & Tools Training for Artificial Intelligence.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, formalized the agreement, officially transitioning the initiative into its operational phase. With the MoU in place, authorities have activated university focal persons across the country, and students can now register through the official online portal.

Pakistan Launches National ACT AI Initiative to Train Thousands of Students in Emerging Tech

According to an official press release, authorities will soon hold a national launch event to formally inaugurate the programme. The first cohort of students will also begin training within the coming weeks, followed by subsequent cohorts running in structured two-month cycles to ensure sustained nationwide outreach and impact.

A key highlight of the ACT AI Initiative is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The programme is entirely free of cost, aiming to remove financial barriers to advanced digital education. It also emphasizes diversity, with a targeted 50:50 gender participation ratio and enrollment opportunities for students from a wide range of academic disciplines, not limited to computer science.

The MoU represents a collaborative effort between major public sector institutions and private industry partners. Key stakeholders include the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and AI SkillBridge, a subsidiary of AXI Technologies. This partnership reflects a unified national strategy to expand artificial intelligence education and capacity building.

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Positioned as Pakistan’s first nationally coordinated, university-level AI skills programme, ACT AI aims to equip young people with practical competencies required to compete in the rapidly evolving global digital landscape.

Under the initiative, the government will train up to 6,000 students per cohort across approximately 100 universities nationwide. The programme ensures representation from all four provinces, as well as Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, reinforcing its commitment to equitable access.

Implementation of the programme will be led by AI SkillBridge, with support from AXI Technologies. The organization will manage all aspects of execution, including curriculum development, training delivery, digital infrastructure, student engagement, and nationwide outreach.

As Pakistan accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the ACT AI Initiative will play a pivotal role in building a future-ready workforce and fostering innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.