Pakistan’s First Local Large Language Model to be developed in a Collaboration between Jazz, NUST, and NITB
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (Jazz) is thrilled to announce the development of Pakistan’s first Local Large Language Model (LLM) in collaboration with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB). This landmark initiative was officially unveiled on October 29, 2024, at the Ministry of IT, aiming to revolutionize artificial intelligence by addressing the unique linguistic and cultural needs of Pakistan’s diverse population.
This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards indigenous AI development, combining the expertise of Jazz, NUST, and NITB to create an LLM that empowers government agencies, businesses, and individuals with advanced AI tools tailored specifically for the local context.
The collaboration will establish a robust framework for developing a language model that reflects Pakistan’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. By equipping national entities with innovative AI applications, this initiative aims to enhance efficiency and productivity across various sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said, “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. By bringing together the strengths of academia, industry, and government, we’re not only building a platform that reflects Pakistan’s unique perspective but also positioning ourselves to lead in emerging technologies. Initiatives like this are essential, not just for our technological aspirations but for safeguarding our sovereignty and advancing our global standing. At the government level, we will work to establish the necessary policies, resources, and frameworks to ensure this initiative’s success over the years.”
Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz, said, “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. Through partnerships like this with NUST and NITB, we can close the digital divide, empowering our teachers, doctors, and farmers by providing them with tools and information in their own languages. This collaboration is a national cause that will drive exponential progress in digital inclusion. In the coming months, we aim to have a functional model that will lay the foundation for a transformative AI framework in Pakistan.”
Rector NUST, Engr Javed Mehmood Bukhari, said, “NUST has the capacity to advance AI in Pakistan. We have extended our National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) labs to many other national universities. This collaboration with Jazz and NITB is key for establishing the infrastructure and mindset needed for AI adaptation nationwide. With our joint efforts, we are paving the way for a forward-looking digital identity framework, fostering an environment where technology serves the unique needs of our society.”
This strategic initiative will progress under the patronage of senior management officials from Jazz, NUST, and NITB, including Dr. Baber Majid Bhatti, CEO of NITB; Syed Ali Naseer, Chief Data & Strategy Officer at Jazz; Khalid Shehzad, Chief Technology Officer at Jazz; Dr. Rizwan Riaz, Pro Rector NUST.
The MoU will be effective for five years, focusing on the development of the LLM and fostering an enduring partnership aimed at continuous innovation and collaboration.