Balochistan Launches First AI Lab for Women Entrepreneurs

QUETTA: The Government of Balochistan has officially inaugurated the province’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab for women entrepreneurs in a landmark initiative aimed at promoting technology-based empowerment and economic independence for women.

The AI lab is designed to provide women with training in modern technologies while helping them become financially self-reliant through digital skills and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mir Sarfraz Bugti described the initiative as a historic step toward economic stability and empowerment for women in Balochistan.

“This is not just the opening of a lab but a major move towards giving women a dignified future through education, development and employment opportunities,” he said.

In the first phase, training for 20 women entrepreneurs has already begun. Participants are being trained in AI tools, digital marketing, business intelligence and other advanced technologies.

Officials said the program would meet international training standards, and successful participants would receive certificates along with support for setting up their own businesses.

The provincial government plans to gradually expand the initiative to all districts of Balochistan so women from remote areas can also benefit from the program.

During his address, Chief Minister Bugti strongly criticized militant groups, stating that extremist elements wanted to mislead women and turn them into suicide bombers, while the government was countering such agendas through education, development and employment opportunities.

He added that initiatives such as the Pink Scooty Scheme, scholarships, easy business loans and the newly launched AI Lab are practical efforts to strengthen women economically and socially.

Bugti emphasized that women and youth development, economic independence, modern education and technical training remain among the top priorities of the provincial government.

Experts believe that women trained in AI and digital technologies can bring positive change not only for themselves but also for their families and society at large.

The provincial government also announced plans to establish more such labs in the coming months, along with dedicated incubators and startup funds for women entrepreneurs, aiming to help drive Balochistan towards a digital economy.