Pakistan Gets Urdu Version of Meta AI

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), in partnership with Meta, has launched ALIF, an Urdu version of Meta AI, enabling users in Pakistan to interact with the AI assistant in their native language.

This should help make Meta AI more inclusive and accessible for the people of Pakistan. The launch was announced during the “Future in Focus: AI and Innovation” event, dedicated to advancing digital transformation in the country.

The event brought together government leaders, industry experts, and academia to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation nationwide.

During the event, a series of initiatives designed to empower Pakistan’s public sector and local community were also announced. The launch of ALIF allows more people to discover information, express themselves, and maintain connections with what matters most in their own language.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, inaugurated the event. She stated:

“Pakistan is accelerating toward a future where technology empowers every citizen. Our National AI Policy and partnership with Meta reflect this commitment; advancing AI literacy, digital transformation, and innovation across government and academia.”

The company also introduced the localized version of the “Transforming Public Sector Innovation in Asia Pacific with Llama” guide, developed in partnership with Deloitte. This guide, supported by the Ministry, demonstrates how Meta’s open-source AI model, Llama, can streamline government operations, enhance public services, and support data sovereignty.

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Earlier this year, the Ministry of IT&T, in collaboration with Meta, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the National Computing and Emerging Sciences Accreditation Council (NCEAC), and Atomcamp, announced the launch of an AI Literacy Program. The program aims to upskill 350 non-computer science faculty members across Pakistani universities, equipping them with core AI competencies to prepare the next generation for the future of work.