Indus AI Week 2026 in Sindh was held at NED University, Karachi.

By: Aziz Khatri

 KARACHI: Indus AI Week in Sindh 2026 was successfully held on Monday at the National Incubation Center (NIC), NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic driver of Pakistan’s national development. The event marked a key provincial chapter of the National Indus AI Week and aligned with the digital transformation initiatives of the Government of Sindh.

Held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence for National Development,” the event brought together policymakers, government officials, defense representatives, academia, industry leaders, AI practitioners, and youth stakeholders. Discussions focused on the role of AI in governance, economic growth, innovation ecosystems, workforce transformation, and national competitiveness.

The event was attended by distinguished chief guests and guests of honor, including Ali Rashid, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh for Science and Information Technology; Dr. Fahad Shafiq, Coordinator Sindh for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP); Syed Shariq Jamal, Member Provincial Assembly (MQM-Pakistan); Advocate Anwer Ali Faridi Shah Madar; and Major Syed Munawar Hussain Shah, Commander ISPR Section Headquarters Sindh.

Delivering a keynote address, Ali Rashid underscored the significance of artificial intelligence in shaping modern governance and innovation. He said AI has become a foundational pillar for healthcare modernization, educational innovation, public service delivery, and economic competitiveness. He added that initiatives such as Digital Sindh, AI-driven public sector reforms, and technology infrastructure development are positioning Sindh as a leading contributor to Pakistan’s digital future.

Highlighting youth empowerment, Dr. Fahad Shafiq said Pakistan’s greatest asset is its young population. He noted that platforms like Indus AI Week are vital in connecting students, innovators, and professionals with emerging technologies, enabling them to develop future-ready skills aligned with national development goals.

An international keynote address was delivered 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. He spoke on corporate diplomacy, global cooperation, financial inclusion, and AI-driven economic development, emphasizing the role of global partnerships in strengthening innovation ecosystems. Referring to 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 investment accessibility for emerging economies like Pakistan.

The program also featured high-level panel discussions on AI integration in public policy, governance transformation, national security perspectives, academia–industry collaboration, responsible AI deployment, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speakers 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 contributions, while certificates were awarded to participants and collaborators.

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, a knowledge-based economy, and global technological competitiveness.

Indus AI Week in Sindh 2026 was organized by Poiesis Systems.