PM links progress to digitalisation, AI

He also endorsed collaboration on agricultural automation.Shehbaz directed to implement an early cancer detection system with Alibaba Group's cooperation and ordered the launch of an AI training programme for IT graduates under the Ministry of Information Technology's Ignite programme in collaboration with the company.He also directed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to introduce an analytics system, in partnership with Alibaba Group, to monitor the petroleum products supply chain.

The Export Promotion Board was instructed to work with Alibaba Group to increase Pakistan's exports.The prime minister said a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Alibaba Group at its headquarters in Hangzhou during his visit to China, adding that AI and digitalisation were central to national development.The meeting was briefed on progress in several areas under the strategic cooperation between the government and Alibaba Group.

It was informed that work was under way on AI-based agricultural models, track-and-trace technology for tobacco, and a digital platform for exporting citrus fruits and olives.A dedicated Pakistan pavilion had also been established on a special Alibaba Group website to promote Pakistani products for export.The meeting was further informed that a system for digitally verifying trade documents through the Pakistan Single Window had been activated.

A two-year programme was also being launched in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and Alibaba Group to provide small and medium-sized businesses with access to global markets, training and e-commerce opportunities.In the energy sector, OGRA was being provided with AI and business intelligence tools to analyse fuel supply chain data.

Initiatives involving digital technology and AI in higher education, railways, postal services and urban management were also nearing completion.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the Ministry of Railways to take emergency steps to make train travel safe and reliable, assuring the government's full support for the revitalisation and revolutionary reforms of Pakistan Railways.The prime minister, in a meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, who called on….

PM links progress to digitalisation, AI Our Correspondent | Updated 6 minutes ago | Directs urgent steps to make rail travel safe, reliable.