PM Shehbaz Directs Early Implementation of AI-Based Cancer Detection System with Alibaba

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need to modernise Pakistan’s agricultural sector to accelerate national development and welcomed cooperation with Alibaba on agricultural automation. He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure the early implementation of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for the early detection of cancer with Alibaba’s support.

The prime minister chaired a review meeting on the progress of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and cooperation with Alibaba Group in the fields of economy and governance.

The meeting was briefed on ongoing initiatives under the strategic partnership between the Government of Pakistan and Alibaba, covering agriculture, exports, healthcare, energy, taxation, education, railways, postal services and urban administration.

It was informed that work was underway on AI-based agricultural models, track-and-trace technology for tobacco, and digital platforms to facilitate exports of citrus fruits and olives. A dedicated Pakistan Pavilion has also been established on Alibaba’s platform to promote Pakistani products in international markets.

The meeting was further informed that a system for the digital verification of trade documents through Pakistan Single Window had become operational.

In addition, a two-year programme is being launched in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Alibaba to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access international markets, receive training and benefit from e-commerce opportunities.

AI Initiatives in Healthcare, Taxation and Energy

The meeting reviewed progress on the development of an advanced data platform and a central data hub for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL).

Participants also examined a proposed pilot project for AI-assisted cancer diagnosis in the healthcare sector.

In the energy sector, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is being provided with AI and business intelligence tools to analyse fuel supply chain data and improve monitoring of petroleum products.

Initiatives involving digital technology and artificial intelligence in higher education, railways, postal services and urban management were also reported to be nearing completion.

PM Calls for Faster Implementation of Projects

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the effective use of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and modern technology could significantly improve trade, exports, agricultural productivity, ease of doing business and the quality of public services.

He welcomed Alibaba’s support for promoting Pakistan’s agricultural exports, particularly efforts to facilitate access to Chinese markets.

The prime minister emphasised that modernising agriculture was essential for the country’s development and directed the relevant authorities to expedite the introduction of AI-based cancer screening and early-detection systems in collaboration with Alibaba.

He also called for the early launch of a 15-day artificial intelligence training programme for IT graduates under the Ministry of Information Technology’s Ignite initiative, in collaboration with Alibaba.

Furthermore, he directed OGRA to introduce an analytics system for monitoring the supply chain of petroleum products with Alibaba’s assistance.

Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Export Promotion Board to work with Alibaba to increase Pakistan’s exports.

He recalled that a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Alibaba at the company’s headquarters in Hangzhou during his visit to China, adding that artificial intelligence and digitalisation were key to Pakistan’s future development.

Strategic Partnership to Support SMEs

The prime minister said the government’s priorities included fully benefiting from the strategic partnership with Alibaba to expand international market access for SMEs and create new opportunities for technology-driven economic growth.

He directed all relevant ministries and departments to translate the cooperation into tangible results by setting clear targets, establishing timelines and ensuring effective monitoring of every project.

The prime minister instructed the concerned ministries to complete all necessary measures by November and submit progress reports.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan, Dr Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Syed Mustafa Kamal and Abdul Aleem Khan attended the meeting, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani and senior officials concerned.