ISLAMABAD, June 27: China’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence offers important lessons for Pakistan’s digital transformation as the country begins implementing its National AI Policy 2025 and works to develop a skilled technology workforce.

The issue gained attention at the World Intelligence Expo 2026 in Tianjin, where more than 700 exhibitors presented AI-based solutions for education, healthcare, public services, industrial automation and robotics, according to Wealth Pakistan.

China’s artificial intelligence ecosystem has expanded quickly in recent years. According to the National Data Administration, China holds around 60 percent of global AI patents, while its core AI industry has crossed 1.2 trillion yuan, or about $176 billion.

Chinese companies are also deploying artificial intelligence at scale. Wealth Pakistan reported that iFLYTEK’s smart education platform is serving more than 50,000 schools and benefiting over 130 million teachers and students.

For Pakistan, these developments come as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025. The policy aims to expand access to AI technologies, improve public service delivery and train one million AI professionals by 2030.

Pakistan faces digital readiness challenges

Despite growing policy focus, Pakistan continues to face gaps in digital access and AI readiness.

According to Oxford Insights’ Government AI Readiness Index, Pakistan ranks eighth among 17 South and Central Asian countries, behind regional peers including India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Internet penetration in Pakistan stands at 45.7 percent, leaving more than half of the population without access to digital services.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Usman Ghani Khan, Director of the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence and member of the National AI Task Force, said AI could help address major development challenges in the country.

He said millions of children remain out of school, hospitals face shortages of doctors and resources, and courts continue to deal with large backlogs of pending cases.

According to Dr. Usman, AI-based tools can support personalized learning, assist doctors in diagnosis and treatment planning, and improve efficiency in the judicial system.

He said researchers at the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence are already developing AI applications for education, healthcare and legal services.

Dr. Usman said Pakistan should view artificial intelligence as a practical tool for improving public access to essential services, rather than treating it only as an emerging technology.

He added that Pakistan needs quality data, stronger links between industry and academia, modern computing infrastructure and policies that encourage innovation while protecting users.

“Without our own systems and data, we will always depend on others and never truly lead,” he said.

Experts call for inclusive AI education

Khet Kumar, founder of educational technology company Red Pi, said China’s AI Education Action Plan shows how governments can align education systems with future workforce needs.

He said China is integrating AI across the learning process, from primary education and vocational training to higher education and lifelong learning.

Kumar noted that Singapore, South Korea, Finland and Japan are also investing in digital skills, AI literacy and teacher training.

For Pakistan, he said the key lesson is to build a practical and locally relevant AI education strategy that reflects national priorities and labour market needs.

He warned that traditional examination-based education models may leave students unprepared for an economy increasingly shaped by automation and intelligent technologies.

Kumar said access to AI education should not remain limited to elite institutions. He said government schools, underserved communities and remote regions must also be included if Pakistan wants to build an inclusive digital economy.

He added that AI literacy programmes, specialized textbooks, teacher training and robotics education can help introduce students to emerging technologies at an early stage.

The experts said Pakistan’s digital future will depend on whether it can turn policy ambition into practical investment in skills, data, research and public-sector innovation.

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