ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) program in collaboration with American tech giant Meta and Atomcamp ed-tech platform to upgrade skills of university faculty in line with modern technology, state media reported on Friday.

Around 300 HEC members have so far been trained by Atomcamp, which offers services in AI, data science and analytics, enhancing their professional skills and laying the groundwork for the use of modern technology in higher education.

Pakistan has been increasingly embracing AI across education, industry and government, with startups developing solutions for finance, health care and e-commerce, and policymakers planning to integrate AI into public service and digital infrastructure.

“Under this initiative, Atomcamp provided advanced training on AI to faculty members across Pakistan, while HEC provided the necessary support and partnership for this program,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported.

“The main objective of this program is to enhance the skills of teaching staff in universities across the country and align the quality of teaching with modern requirements.”

The government plans to introduce more AI and emerging technology programs to bring Pakistani universities at par with global standards, according to the report.

In August last year, Pakistan unveiled its first National Artificial Intelligence Policy to develop AI infrastructure, train one million people in related skills and ensure responsible, ethical use of the technology.

The policy outlines six pillars, including AI innovation, public awareness, secure systems, sectoral transformation, infrastructure and international partnerships, for advancement in the country.