Lahore: United States Charg© d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker led a high-level delegation from the US Embassy to the Office of AI Punjab on Wednesday, where the delegation met Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on AI and Special Initiatives Ali Dar.
The meeting focused on Punjab’s artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology agenda, digital governance, AI-enabled public service delivery, and opportunities for deeper cooperation between the United States and Punjab in technology and innovation.
Ali Dar briefed the delegation on the institutional model, operating structure and priorities of the Office of AI. He highlighted the establishment of the world’s first AI-enabled Delivery Unit, mandated to translate Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s AI Vision 2029 into measurable outcomes across the province.
He said that under the Chief Minister’s vision, AI was being integrated into governance and public service delivery to make government services more effective, transparent and responsive.
Ali Dar said Punjab was well positioned to lead in AI adoption, supported by strong digital foundations, a growing technology ecosystem and a talented workforce.
He said the existing Punjab-California sister-province relationship could be leveraged to deepen cooperation in AI, education, research and technology. Partnerships with leading U. S. universities and technology companies, he added, could connect Punjab’s emerging AI ecosystem with global expertise, research and industry capabilities.
Ali Dar emphasized that connecting global research, technology and industry expertise with Punjab’s AI priorities remained a key objective. He said responsible AI innovation would help improve public services while creating new opportunities for investment, innovation and economic growth.
He added that the objective of AI adoption was not merely to deploy advanced technology, but to deliver better, faster and more transparent services to citizens.
