Pakistan to Send Students to Europe and China for Advanced AI Training

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced an ambitious plan to prepare Pakistan’s youth for the future by sending talented students to Europe and China for training in artificial intelligence (AI) and other modern technologies. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to build a skilled workforce that can help strengthen the country’s economy and compete at the global level.

The prime minister shared these plans while addressing a laptop distribution ceremony at the University of Haripur on Wednesday. He made it clear that students from all parts of the country, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), would be selected strictly on merit, without any regional or political bias. According to him, Pakistan’s progress depends on the collective development of all provinces.

Laptop Scheme Relaunched to Empower Students

During the ceremony, PM Shehbaz officially launched the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme, a flagship program aimed at supporting students through access to technology. The event was attended by government officials, youth leaders, and a large number of students who have benefited from the scheme over the years.

A documentary shown at the event highlighted the journey of the Laptop Scheme since its launch in 2013. It showcased how more than one million students across the country have benefited and outlined the government’s vision for 2025, which focuses on empowering young people through education, digital tools, and technological skills.

Investing in Youth for Global Recognition

In his speech, the prime minister spoke about his long-standing belief in investing in youth based on talent and hard work. He recalled earlier initiatives, including the training of students in agriculture and sending hundreds of students to China during his time as chief minister of Punjab.

“Pakistan’s development does not belong to one province alone,” he said. “It is only possible when every region moves forward together.”

He explained that sending students to Europe and China for AI training would give them exposure to world-class institutions and advanced learning environments. These students, he said, would return with valuable knowledge and skills to help meet Pakistan’s growing technological needs.

Linking Skills with Economic Growth

PM Shehbaz also spoke candidly about Pakistan’s economic situation, noting that the country had narrowly avoided default and was now entering a phase focused on growth and stability. He stressed that this growth would only be possible if the country’s youth were equipped with modern, industry-relevant skills.

Highlighting sectors such as information technology, agriculture, and mining, he said there is an urgent need to align education with market demands. “Our youth must take the lead in this journey,” he said, adding that delegations from all provinces would be sent to China for training in AI and other cutting-edge fields.

Major Announcements for Haripur

Responding to local demands, the prime minister announced several development projects for Haripur. These included the establishment of a Daanish School, similar to those in Punjab, with separate campuses for boys and girls to provide quality education to deserving students.

He also committed to setting up a women’s campus at Haripur University, assuring that it would respect local culture while supporting the educational aspirations of female students. In addition, he announced the construction of the Haripur Bridge to improve connectivity between educational institutions and enhance access to facilities.

A Call for Unity and Confidence

Concluding his address, PM Shehbaz Sharif urged the youth to stay united and confident, drawing inspiration from the philosophy of Allama Iqbal. He emphasized that Pakistan’s future lies in the hands of its young people and encouraged them to rise to global challenges with determination and self-belief.

“The road ahead is challenging, but with unity and conviction, we can move forward,” he said. “Our youth will lead Pakistan to new heights.”

The plan to send Pakistani students abroad for AI training signals a strong commitment to innovation, skill development, and long-term national progress, placing the country on a path toward a more technology-driven future.