Islamabad: Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (Jazz) has announced a collaborative project with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to develop Pakistan’s first Local Large Language Model (LLM). Officially launched on October 29 at the Ministry of IT, the initiative aims to address Pakistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity through artificial intelligence, providing tailored tools for government agencies, businesses, and individuals.
According to Jazz Pakistan, this partnership signifies a major advancement in local AI development, bringing together industry, academia, and government to create a language model that supports the nation’s unique cultural and linguistic needs. The collaborative effort is expected to enhance productivity across sectors by equipping national entities with innovative AI applications.
Minister of IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted the partnership as a pivotal step in Pakistan’s digital progression, emphasizing the preservation of linguistic heritage through AI. “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s digital future, enabling us to preserve and promote our linguistic and cultural heritage through advanced AI,” said Khawaja, adding that the government would ensure essential policies and resources are established to secure the project’s long-term success.
Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, underscored the importance of a locally adapted AI environment, describing the collaboration as a national cause to drive digital inclusion. “Innovation in AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) is critical for Pakistan’s future, and we are committed to developing a locally relevant environment that meets the unique needs of our communities,” said Ibrahim. He added that the partnership with NUST and NITB aims to empower professionals across sectors by providing resources in native languages, laying the foundation for transformative AI in Pakistan.
Engr Javed Mehmood Bukhari, Rector of NUST, pointed to the role of the university in advancing AI nationwide, with labs from its National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) now extended to other universities. “This collaboration with Jazz and NITB is key for establishing the infrastructure and mindset needed for AI adaptation nationwide,” Bukhari stated, emphasizing the project’s potential to foster a digital identity framework suited to Pakistan’s societal needs.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) supporting this project spans five years, with guidance from senior management at Jazz, NUST, and NITB, including Dr. Baber Majid Bhatti, CEO of NITB; Syed Ali Naseer, Chief Data and Strategy Officer at Jazz; Khalid Shehzad, Chief Technology Officer at Jazz; and Dr. Rizwan Riaz, Pro Rector at NUST. The partnership is designed for ongoing innovation and collaboration, aiming to build an AI model that embodies and supports Pakistan’s diverse identity.