More than 4,000 journalists, journalism students and media professionals in Pakistan have received training in artificial intelligence tools through Google’s Digital Journalism programme. The initiative began in September 2024 to sharpen fact-checking, make newsrooms more efficient and support responsible reporting habits that last.
The programme marked its second anniversary at an event in Lahore. Attendees included Ali Dar, the Punjab Chief Minister’s Adviser on Artificial Intelligence, International Cooperation and Special Initiatives; Sultana Siddiqui, founder and chairperson of a Pakistani media network; Duraid Qureshi, that network’s chief executive; and Kate Beddoe, Google’s Managing Director for News Partnerships, Asia Pacific. Policymakers, senior journalists, media executives and programme participants were also present.
Ali Dar stresses collaboration in AI training
Speaking at the event, Dar said no government could achieve the programme’s goals on its own. He called for cooperation among Google, Tech Valley, universities and media organisations. “In my view, this reflects a Pakistan that understands the demands of the future and is prepared for them,” he said.
The programme is run in partnership with Tech Valley, an educational technology organisation. It follows a phased model in which master trainers are prepared first, so they can then teach journalists, media staff and students across the country.
Partners and reach across four provinces
Several government departments and universities are supporting the effort. The backers include the Punjab Higher Education Department, Sindh’s Science and Information Technology Department and the information departments of Sindh and Balochistan. Academic partners are:
- Beaconhouse National University
- International Islamic University Islamabad
- Sindh Madressatul Islam University
- Bahria University
- University of Karachi
Since 2024, the programme has trained more than 4,000 people across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. More than 60 master trainers have been involved.
Survey finds higher AI use and confidence
An assessment of participants in the 2025 programme found that 85 per cent were using Google’s AI tools in their daily work. Nearly 68 per cent said they saved more than 25 per cent of their time on routine tasks. Participants also reported a 260 per cent rise in their confidence in using AI tools.
Beddoe said she was proud of the programme’s impact and achievements. She said it was encouraging to see journalists across Pakistan adopting AI and making it part of their regular work. She added that this progress would further strengthen Google’s partnerships with the news industry across the Asia-Pacific region.
