AI Training Introduced for Civil Servants at Civil Services Academy
The federal minister for IT inaugurated an Artificial Intelligence 101 module at the Civil Services Academy, marking a significant step in integrating AI training into the civil services curriculum.
Government Initiative
Addressing a special CSS batch at the academy, the minister highlighted that this initiative is part of the government’s Digital Nation Vision and aligns with the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, which she characterized as a governance reform framework rather than merely a technology policy.
The special batch consisted of 52 probationary officers from Balochistan and 56 from Sindh. The AI module was collaboratively developed by the Ministry of IT and Telecom, the Planning Commission, the Civil Services Academy, and atomcamp.
Building Capacity in Government Institutions
The minister emphasized that the National Artificial Intelligence Policy places a strong emphasis on building human capacity within government institutions. The introduction of AI training is intended to prepare future civil servants for the responsible and effective use of emerging technologies.
Training Program Details
As part of this initiative, a two-day intensive training program was conducted for 150 probationary officers. This program covered:
- AI fundamentals
- Prompt engineering
- Administrative and research applications
- Productivity tools
- Ethical considerations
A training-of-trainers program was also completed, preparing 30 faculty members from various civil service training institutions as master trainers.
Future of AI Training in Civil Services
Announcing that AI training has now been incorporated into the CSA curriculum, the minister stated that all future batches of civil servants would receive structured instruction in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the partnership with atomcamp will expand to include more advanced AI modules.
Broader Digital Reform
The minister highlighted that the federal government has achieved 100 percent e-Office adoption across 38 of 39 divisions, significantly reducing file processing time from 25 to 30 days down to just four days. She noted that affordable high-speed internet, supported by cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, is central to Pakistan’s digital strategy.
Expanding AI Training
Shaza Fatima Khawaja expressed gratitude to the Civil Services Academy and its partners, adding that the ministry plans to extend AI training to mid-career and senior officers while aligning capacity-building initiatives with emerging AI governance and data protection frameworks.
Connection to Digital Nation Pakistan Legislation
This initiative is linked to the Digital Nation Pakistan legislation introduced in the National Assembly in December 2024, which proposes a national framework for digitization across the economy, governance, and society. The bill outlines the creation of a National Digital Commission, chaired by the prime minister and including chief ministers and heads of key regulatory bodies, to oversee Pakistan’s digital transformation and investment in digital infrastructure.
