Pakistan Announces Buraq, a Government-Backed Urdu AI Model
· By imran
Pakistan has announced Buraq, a government-backed artificial intelligence model designed to understand Urdu and other regional languages. Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja unveiled the initiative on October 22, 2026, at a summit in Seoul, South Korea.
Why Pakistan Is Developing Buraq
The project aims to address the limited representation of Urdu in AI training data and improve access to AI tools for local language speakers. According to the government, Buraq will also help keep Pakistani data within the country.
Pakistan plans to invest $1 billion through 2030 in AI development, computing infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and public-sector projects. Potential applications include healthcare, welfare services, and tax administration.
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Digital Infrastructure and Data Security
Buraq's development aligns with Pakistan's broader digital initiatives, including NADRA's identity system, the Raast payment platform, and the WASL data exchange initiative.
The government also emphasizes human oversight, stating that AI should support decision-making rather than replace human judgment. Data protection and responsible AI governance will remain important as the project progresses.
When Will Buraq Launch?
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Buraq remains under development. Its technical specifications, public demo, and official release date have not yet been announced in the information available.
If successful, the project could improve Urdu-language AI services and strengthen Pakistan's domestic AI infrastructure. However, its performance, security, and practical benefits will need to be evaluated once the model becomes available.
