The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (MoPDSI), under its flagship initiative URAAN Pakistan, launched the URAAN AI Techathon 1.0 today in Islamabad. The event marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital journey, bringing together the country’s brightest minds to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for national development.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, while addressing the inaugural ceremony, said that the Techathon is a flagship initiative of the URAAN Pakistan National Innovation Mission. Its objective is to mobilize Pakistan’s youth and professionals to solve real-world challenges through AI, build national capacity in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and enhance Pakistan’s global visibility in emerging technologies.
The Minister emphasized that the Techathon is not merely a competition but a movement to empower youth and transform key sectors of the economy. He noted that AI is no longer the future but the present, reshaping health, education, agriculture, industry, and governance. “Decisions that shape economies today are increasingly driven by algorithms,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan must choose between becoming an active player in this global technological revolution or remaining dependent on others.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to stability, policy continuity, and reforms as the foundation of sustainable progress. Underscoring the importance of AI in shaping Pakistan’s future, he said, “Pakistan will not remain a spectator in the AI revolution but will emerge as a rising leader.”
The Minister also announced the launch of a dedicated online portal for the Techathon, which will serve as a central hub for registrations, communication, updates, resources, and event coordination. He further stressed that inclusive participation, especially from underserved and remote regions, will be ensured.
Speaking about the government’s priorities, the Minister noted that the focus is on leveraging AI to bring innovative solutions in health, education, agriculture, and climate change. He underlined the role of local startups, universities, and technology parks in building a robust AI ecosystem, adding that the Techathon is closely aligned with the Vision 2025 agenda, the National AI Policy, and sectoral strategies.
“Through initiatives like the URAAN AI Techathon 1.0, we are not only nurturing innovation but also preparing Pakistan to move towards a trillion-dollar economy by 2035,” he said. He further added that AI is already being integrated into curricula and that national capacity is being built through training, mentorship, and the establishment of Centers of Excellence.
Concluding his address, Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan’s youth possess the same passion and energy that fuels the world’s leading technology hubs. He urged young innovators to step forward, experiment, and prove that their ideas, vision, and creativity are second to none globally.
