PM for completing Alibaba Group-backed AI, digitalisation projects

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed relevant ministries to complete key initiatives under Pakistan’s cooperation with Chinese technology giant Alibaba by November and submit a progress report, stressing the need for clear targets, timelines and effective monitoring.

Chairing a review meeting on artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and the collaboration in governance and the economy, the prime minister said the partnership should be leveraged to open global markets to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and create technology-led opportunities.

“The secret of national progress lies in AI and digitalisation,” he said, highlighting the role of modern technology in boosting exports, improving agricultural productivity, facilitating trade and enhancing public services.

He directed the early rollout of an Alibaba-assisted system for cancer detection and an AI training programme for IT graduates. The 15-day programme will be run by the IT ministry under its Ignite initiative in collaboration with Alibaba.

He also asked the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to introduce an analytics system, developed with Alibaba’s assistance, to monitor the petroleum supply chain. The Export Promotion Board was directed to work with the company to boost exports.

Welcoming Alibaba’s support in facilitating access for Pakistani agricultural produce to Chinese markets, he stressed the need to modernise agriculture, including through farm automation.

The prime minister recalled that a memorandum of understanding with Alibaba had been signed at the company’s headquarters in Hangzhou during his visit to China.

The meeting was informed that work was under way on AI-based agricultural models, tobacco track-and-trace technology and a digital export platform for citrus fruit and olives. A dedicated Pakistan Pavilion has also been established on Alibaba’s website to promote Pakistani products.

A digital verification system for trade documents has been operationalised through the Pakistan Single Window.

A two-year programme with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and Alibaba is also being launched to help small businesses access international markets, training and e-commerce opportunities.

The meeting reviewed progress on a central data hub for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation (PRAL), as well as a proposed pilot project for AI-assisted cancer diagnosis.

Ogra is being equipped with AI and business intelligence tools to analyse fuel supply chain data. Digital and AI initiatives in higher education, railways, postal services and urban management are also nearing completion.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal, Musadik Malik, Ahad Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima, Mustafa Kamal and Aleem Khan, State Minister for Finance Bilal Kayani and senior officials attended the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026