Karachi, Pakistan – February 9, 2026: Indus AI Week in Sindh 2026 was successfully held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the National Incubation Center (NIC), NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi. The event served as a significant provincial chapter of the National Indus AI Week, complementing the strategic digital transformation initiatives of the Government of Sindh.
Held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence for National Development,” the event brought together policymakers, government representatives, defense officials, academia, industry leaders, AI practitioners, and youth stakeholders to deliberate on the role of artificial intelligence in governance, economic development, innovation ecosystems, and workforce transformation in Pakistan.
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished Chief Guests and Guests of Honor, including Ali Rashid, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh for Science & Information Technology; Dr. Fahad Shafiq, Coordinator Sindh for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP); Syed Shariq Jamal, Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) MQM-Pakistan; Advocate Anwer Ali Faridi Shah Madar; and Major Syed Munawar Hussain Shah, Commander ISPR Section Headquarters Sindh.
Delivering a keynote perspective on provincial digital transformation, Ali Rashid emphasized the importance of AI in shaping Pakistan’s governance and innovation future, stating that artificial intelligence has become a foundational pillar for modern governance, healthcare modernization, educational innovation, and economic competitiveness. Through initiatives such as Digital Sindh, AI-driven public service transformation, and technology infrastructure development, Sindh is positioning itself as a leading contributor to Pakistan’s digital future.
Highlighting youth engagement and capacity development, Dr. Fahad Shafiq stressed that Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in its young population, and platforms like Indus AI Week play a critical role in connecting students, innovators, and professionals with emerging technologies, enabling them to develop future-ready skills aligned with national development priorities.
The event also featured an international keynote by Doughlas Sales Alves Amante, PhD Scholar at Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italy, in collaboration with Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brazil. His address focused on the intersection of corporate diplomacy, global cooperation, financial inclusion, and AI-driven economic development. Through his engagement with the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, he highlighted the importance of global partnerships in strengthening innovation ecosystems and investment accessibility for emerging economies like Pakistan.
The program included high-level panel discussions focusing on AI integration in public policy, governance transformation, national security perspectives, academia–industry collaboration, responsible AI deployment, and alignment of AI innovation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Panelists emphasized the need for coordinated national AI strategies, multi-sector collaboration, and capacity-building frameworks to ensure inclusive and sustainable technological growth.
During the ceremony, commemorative shields were presented to Chief Guests, Guests of Honor, and panelists in recognition of their valuable contributions, while certificates were awarded to participants and collaborators for their engagement and support.
The event concluded with a collective commitment from stakeholders to advance artificial intelligence as a national strategic priority, supporting Pakistan’s transition toward digital governance, knowledge-based economic growth, and global technological competitiveness.
Indus AI Week in Sindh 2026 was organized by Poiesis Systems.
