Punjab Government Launches AI Cell to Accelerate Adaptation

LAHORE: The Punjab government has set up an institutional framework for artificial intelligence by creating a cell comprising AI, data and software experts. According to sources in the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), AI has been formally integrated into government policy to improve governance, with engineers from the field and data scientists included in the initiative. The government has approved a central AI model and appointed technology specialists and developers. It instructed that AI projects address the needs of departments, incorporating data engineers and solution architects to ensure practical outcomes. After previous digital experiments failed, the new governance model will be implemented under the supervision of AI and data analytics experts. The sources said programme managers and technical leads had also been appointed for the initiative. The AI cell will provide technical support as the government has focused on optimising existing infrastructure, supported by data and system integration experts. A cost-effective model has been approved, with software engineers and DevOps experts deployed to prevent unnecessary expenses. Feasibility studies, prototyping, and testing are mandatory for projects supported by data scientists and quality specialists. PITB's role has been emphasised as one of institutional capacity building.