Punjab Sets 2029 Target to Become South Asia’s Largest AI-Powered Province: ACS
MULTAN, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th Aug, 2026) Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) South Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani on Thursday stated that Punjab has set an ambitious target of becoming South Asia’s largest AI-powered province by 2029. He attributed this goal to the harnessing of artificial intelligence and digital technologies aimed at transforming governance while addressing key socio-economic challenges.
He was speaking at a high-level seminar and panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cyber Security held at Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), organized in collaboration with the South Punjab Secretariat and Islamabad-based Foundation Center of Information Technology.
The seminar gathered a substantial number of officers and employees from the South Punjab government, IT experts, academics, educators, and students. The panel discussions delved into topics such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), data protection, cyber security, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing technology’s growing role in public service delivery and sustainable development.
Rabbani noted that revolutionary initiatives had already commenced under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a "Digital Punjab". He added that the government is transitioning to a technology-driven system designed for faster, smarter, and more transparent public services.
Emphasizing the importance of equipping young individuals with AI and cyber security skills aligned with future demands, Rabbani ranked it among the present era’s top priorities. He observed that the rapidly evolving digital landscape presents ample opportunities for youth, particularly in emerging fields, innovation, and technology-based entrepreneurship.
The Additional Chief Secretary highlighted the benefits of promoting e-governance, e-filing, e-business, and automated public services in government offices, contributing to enhanced good governance, efficiency, and transparency. He further noted that technology is being utilized for automated monitoring of cleanliness systems to improve service delivery and ensure effective oversight.
Highlighting the significance of cyber security, Rabbani stressed that it is not solely the responsibility of IT professionals but a collective duty of every individual in society. He advocated for heightened awareness and responsible digital practices to safeguard sensitive information and protect public and private digital infrastructure from emerging cyber threats.
Encouraging youth entrepreneurship, he urged young people to embrace innovation, develop market-oriented skills, and explore technology-driven business opportunities to reduce dependence on government employment.
Rabbani concluded by stating that artificial intelligence can play a transformative role in tackling major challenges in South Punjab, particularly in education, healthcare, agriculture, and water management.
