The Senate was informed today that government is implementing a national AI ecosystem, encompassing AI infrastructure, human capital, research, startups, financing and responsible AI governance.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the House during the Question Hour that the National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme is one of the government’s most significant upcoming interventions for AI development.
The minister said the government has announced one billion dollars investment for Pakistan’s AI Ecosystem by 2030. He said the government is also implementing the National AI advancement initiative to accelerate AI adoption and build practical AI capacity.
Responding to a supplementary question, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar informed the House that Pakistan had joined the World AI Cooperation Organization, a China-led initiative aimed at promoting transparency, openness and cooperation in artificial intelligence.
He said around 50 members had joined the organization and Pakistan had signed its founding document and its headquarters would be in Shanghai and its first council meeting is expected in mid-December.
Responding to a calling attention notice, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari said the government will soon introduce a system with regards to provision of targeted subsidy to the power consumers. He said there is also a plan to increase the threshold for protected consumers to 250 units.
The Minister for Power said circular debt has declined to around 1.6 trillion rupees over the past two and a half years.
Responding to a Point of Order, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry assured the House that efforts are underway to soon reopen ‘Sunday Bazaar’ at Peshawar Mor in Islamabad.
He said the consultations are continuing with Islamabad Administration to reopen the Bazaar so that the consumers continue to get essential commodities at reduced rates.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the purpose of establishing these bazaars in Islamabad was aimed at enabling growers to sell their produce directly to consumers at affordable rates.
The House will now meet on Thursday at 03:00 pm.
