The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has made Artificial Intelligence (AI) a mandatory course at the undergraduate and postgraduate degree program level in all public and private universities across the country.
The AI course in the undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs will be a three-credit-hour course, which will be implemented from the same academic session 2026.
A letter has been issued by HEC Executive Director Dr. Zia-ul-Haq to all public and private universities and degree-awarding institutes of the country, in which the vice chancellors and directors have been highlighted on the importance of AI and said that in the rapidly changing scenario of the 21st century, artificial intelligence is emerging as a force that is promoting innovation in various sectors, including education, health, economy, and administration.
It has been further stated that the importance of AI cannot be denied; the world is moving towards its future with AI, so it is also necessary for Pakistan’s higher education system to provide students with the skills to use this technology in a responsible and ethical manner.
The HEC said that in this context, all public and private sector universities and degree-awarding higher education institutions across the country are directed to include a mandatory three-credit-hour course on artificial intelligence in every undergraduate and postgraduate degree program.
Regarding the course, it has been directed that this course can be included as an optional subject, as an interdisciplinary course, and as a related subject included in the program structure; however, the course should include the basic concepts of AI.
According to the HEC, this course will be introduced in all degree programs from the academic session starting in the current year, 2026.
