ISLAMABAD, September 28, 2026: The federal government is moving forward with a National Digital Masterplan aimed at introducing artificial intelligence skills in educational institutions, developing unified digital patient records and improving public services through technology-driven reforms across Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Khan Cheema said efforts would be made to place the proposed Masterplan on the agenda of an upcoming meeting between provincial chief ministers and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to build consensus on its implementation.
Chairing a meeting on the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), the minister said the national framework would focus on three key pillars: digital governance, digital economy and digital society, with the objective of improving government efficiency and supporting economic growth across different sectors.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, PDA Chairman Dr Sohail Munir and senior officials from relevant departments attended the meeting.
Cheema emphasised that digitalisation and artificial intelligence should produce measurable improvements in public services rather than remain limited to policy announcements.
He directed the PDA to develop sector-specific implementation plans with clearly defined outcomes and realistic timelines.
The authority’s proposed initiatives covering education, healthcare, commerce and other sectors will be reviewed at its next meeting.
AI and digital skills proposed for school students
A major focus of the meeting was the introduction of modern digital and artificial intelligence skills through Pakistan’s educational institutions.
Cheema stressed the need for a structured roadmap to equip students with technological knowledge from an early stage, including those studying in primary and middle grades.
He said educational institutions should provide formal learning opportunities that prepare students for emerging technological requirements and future employment opportunities.
The proposed approach would involve incorporating relevant digital skills into educational programmes while ensuring that teaching methods and learning materials remain aligned with modern technological developments.
The minister emphasised that students should receive practical, future-relevant knowledge through structured education rather than relying solely on informal exposure to technology.
CNIC-based digital patient records discussed
The meeting also examined proposals to improve healthcare delivery through a unified digital patient record system.
Under the proposed arrangement, patients’ clinical histories and treatment information could be maintained through a centralised registry connecting public and private hospitals.
Cheema said a computerised system linked to citizens’ Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) could make medical information more accessible and improve continuity of care.
Such a system could help healthcare providers access relevant patient histories when individuals seek treatment at different hospitals, reducing gaps in information and supporting more coordinated medical services.
The discussion focused on improving the availability and reliability of healthcare information through digital infrastructure.
Government ministries to strengthen AI expertise
The Pakistan Digital Authority highlighted the need for dedicated artificial intelligence experts and digitally trained focal persons within federal ministries and divisions.
Officials said these personnel would support the implementation of digital transformation initiatives and help government departments collect, manage and use reliable data.
Cheema directed that existing employees responsible for information technology functions should receive appropriate training to perform these roles.
He also pointed to personnel available through the Establishment Division following the introduction of the e-Office system, suggesting that they could be trained and deployed to support digitalisation across government departments.
The minister said further discussions would be held with the Establishment Division to examine staffing arrangements and identify available human resources.
The PDA agreed to coordinate with the National Information Technology Board (NITB) on training programmes.
The authority also informed the meeting that it was already working with federal divisions to strengthen their digital capabilities.
PDA’s role in government digital initiatives reviewed
During the meeting, Cheema appreciated the Pakistan Digital Authority’s contribution to the launch of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme and its work on the PMOS system and other government initiatives.
He stressed that the authority’s digital transformation efforts should be expanded to additional sectors to deliver practical benefits to citizens.
The minister said government departments needed to move towards systems capable of producing measurable improvements in service delivery, administrative coordination and the use of public resources.
The meeting also reviewed consultations conducted with provincial information technology departments and other stakeholders regarding the National Digital Masterplan.
Cheema emphasised the importance of developing a coordinated national digital framework while respecting the constitutional and administrative responsibilities of provincial governments.
He said improved coordination between federal and provincial institutions, particularly in managing sectoral data and registries, could help authorities access verified information and make more informed decisions.
The government intends to use the National Digital Masterplan as a framework for strengthening digital governance, expanding technology-driven economic activity and improving citizens’ access to public services.
Further discussions on sector-wise implementation plans, institutional coordination and proposed reforms are expected at the Pakistan Digital Authority’s next meeting.