The Union IT Minister has launched an Artificial Intelligence 101 module at the Civil Service Academy to integrate AI training into the civil service curriculum.
Referring to the special CSS batch at the academy, the minister explained that the initiative is part of the government's digital nation vision, in line with the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, and is a governance reform framework rather than a technology policy.
The special batch included 52 probation officers from Balochistan and 56 from Sindh. The AI module was jointly developed by the Ministry of IT and Communications, the Planning Commission, the Civil Service Academy and atomcamp.
The Minister said the National Artificial Intelligence Policy focuses on building human capacity within government agencies, adding that the introduction of AI training at the academy is aimed at preparing future civil servants to use emerging technologies responsibly and effectively.
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Under this initiative, 150 probation officers underwent an intensive two-day training program that included AI fundamentals, rapid engineering, management and research applications, productivity tools, and ethical considerations. A trainer training program was also completed in which 30 teachers from various civil service training institutes were prepared as master trainers.
Announcing that AI training has been incorporated into the CSA curriculum, the minister said all future civil servants will receive systematic instruction on artificial intelligence. She also said that the partnership with atomcamp will be expanded to cover more advanced AI modules.
Highlighting wide-ranging digital reforms, the minister said the federal government had achieved 100% e-office implementation in 38 out of 39 departments and file processing time had been reduced from 25 to 30 days to four days. He added that affordable high-speed internet supported by cybersecurity and artificial intelligence is at the heart of Pakistan's digital strategy.
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Shaza Fatima Khawaja thanked the Civil Service Academy and its partners and said the ministry will extend AI training to mid-level and senior staff, while aligning capacity-building efforts with the new AI governance and data protection framework.
The initiative is related to the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, introduced in Parliament in December 2024, which proposes a national framework for digitalization across the economy, governance and society. The bill provides for the creation of a National Digital Commission, chaired by the Prime Minister and including the Prime Minister and heads of key regulatory agencies, to oversee Pakistan's digital transformation and investment in digital infrastructure.
