November target for Alibaba-linked work
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday told concerned ministries to wrap up the steps still needed on ventures run with Alibaba around artificial intelligence (computer systems that learn from data), broader digital upgrades, overseas sales and day-to-day public services, aiming for completion in November. He spoke while leading a progress review in Islamabad on how those tools and the firm’s partnership sit inside Pakistan’s economy and government work.
He argued that careful use of digital systems, AI and newer tools can lift commerce, shipments abroad, farm output, the ease of running a business and the standard of services citizens receive. An understanding with Alibaba was signed at the company’s Hangzhou base during his China trip, he said, calling AI and digital upgrades central to national development.
Farm exports, health and energy analytics
The premier welcomed help that can move Pakistani farm goods toward Chinese buyers and urged faster modernisation of farming, including automation. He supported an early cancer-detection effort built with Alibaba’s help and told the Ministry of Information Technology to start AI courses for IT graduates through its Ignite scheme together with the firm.
He also instructed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA, which oversees fuel pricing and supply rules) to roll out an analytics setup with Alibaba so petroleum product flows can be watched more closely. The Export Promotion Board was told to team up with the company to raise overseas sales. Officials were reminded that every venture under the tie-up should carry plain targets, dates and monitoring so results can be checked, with a status note due once the November steps are done.
What is already moving
Briefers said work continues on AI farm models, tobacco tracking systems, and an online channel to sell citrus and olives abroad. A Pakistan showcase on a specialised Alibaba site is meant to put local goods in front of buyers. Trade papers can already be checked digitally through the Pakistan Single Window, the single online gate for many import-export clearances.
A two-year effort with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA, which supports smaller businesses) and Alibaba is being started so smaller firms can reach foreign buyers, get training and use online stores. Planners also reviewed a modern data platform and central hub for the Federal Board of Revenue and PRAL, its IT arm. A trial of AI-supported cancer diagnosis was discussed for health. In energy, OGRA is receiving AI and business-intelligence tools to study fuel-chain figures. Digital and AI steps in universities, railways, the post and city management were described as close to finishing.
Who attended
Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Syed Mustafa Kamal and Abdul Aleem Khan took part, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials. The premier said priorities include drawing full value from the Alibaba link, helping smaller firms reach world markets, and opening room for technology-led growth.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- China visit (date not specified in the briefing): MoU signed with Alibaba at its Hangzhou headquarters.
- Ongoing under the partnership: AI farm models, tobacco tracking, citrus and olive export tooling, and a Pakistan product showcase on an Alibaba site.
- Already active: digital checks on trade documents via Pakistan Single Window.
- Wednesday, 28 October, Islamabad: Shehbaz chairs the review and sets a November finish for required ministry steps, with a follow-up progress note.
- Near term: two-year SMEDA–Alibaba programme for smaller firms; Ignite AI training; OGRA fuel analytics; proposed cancer-diagnosis pilot.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Wazir-e-Azam ne ministries ko kaha ke Alibaba ke saath AI aur digital projects ke zaroori kaam November tak mukammal karen. Is mein kheti, fuel ki nigrani, chhoti factories ke liye online export, aur sehat ke tests shamil hain. Agar yeh systems theek chalain to farmers, dukandaar aur patients ko seedha faida ho sakta hai. Aam logon ke liye abhi seedha bill change nahi bataya gaya, lekin target yeh hai ke services aur export asaan hon.
