Islamabad, July 9, 2026: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan visited the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Smart Classroom to virtually interact with students enrolled in the ACT AI Online Short Course on Artificial Intelligence skills.
The visit was followed by a meeting with HEC officials to review the programme’s progress and discuss plans for expanding AI education and strengthening industry linkages for Pakistani youth.
Representing HEC were Dr Nasir Khan, Member Quality Assurance; Dr Shafique Rehman, Member Strategic Planning; and officials from the IT and Curriculum Division involved in implementing the ACT AI initiative.
During the virtual interaction, students from higher education institutions across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan shared their experiences and praised the programme’s instruction, practical curriculum and relevance to industry needs. They also raised areas for improvement, and the chairman assured them that their feedback would be included in future phases.
Rana Mashhood said the ACT AI initiative reflects the government’s commitment to preparing young people for the digital economy. He said the programme, launched under the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is being implemented through collaboration between PMYP, HEC, NAVTTC and ACT AI to equip youth with state of-the art AI skills.
He added that work is underway on Pakistan’s first uniform AI curriculum and said future cohorts will continue to include the latest developments in artificial intelligence.
The meeting also focused on the next phase of the programme and ways to build a stronger AI talent pipeline. Participants discussed expanding collaboration with Ignite, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the National Incubation Center (NIC), the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and university incubation centres.
These partnerships are intended to support students through internships, mentoring, entrepreneurship support, industry exposure and employment opportunities.
Officials said the first cohort has produced encouraging results, with several alumni now serving as instructors and mentors in the initiative. Participants agreed to continue the programme through structured two month cohorts, with follow up coordination meetings planned with partner organisations.
HEC also briefed the meeting on wider efforts to improve computing education and graduate employability, including the National Skill Competency Test (NSCT) for final year computing students and the decision to introduce a mandatory Artificial Intelligence course across undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.
Appreciating HEC’s role through its Smart Classroom network, Rana Mashhood commended the Commission’s efforts to expand access to quality digital education and reaffirmed PMYP’s commitment to working with HEC and partner organisations to build a skilled, innovative and globally competitive workforce.
