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he Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved a mandatory three-credit-hour Artificial Intelligence (AI) course for all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in Pakistan. The new requirement will be implemented from Fall 2026 and will apply to both public and private universities.
According to the HEC, the course will be compulsory for students of all academic disciplines, including Engineering, Medical Sciences, Business, Social Sciences, Arts, Computer Science, and Education. The initiative aims to equip graduates with essential AI knowledge, digital skills, and practical understanding of emerging technologies.
The decision was finalized during the 47th meeting of the HEC Commission, chaired by HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by vice chancellors, federal and provincial representatives, and other commission members, who discussed reforms to modernize Pakistan’s higher education system.
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In another important development, the commission also gave in-principle approval to a national framework for the responsible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in higher education institutions. The framework is designed to encourage the ethical and responsible use of AI tools while protecting academic integrity, research quality, and student learning. The draft will be updated after incorporating recommendations from commission members before its official notification.
The commission also reviewed a proposed Data Protection Policy for sharing institutional information with government organizations through secure APIs. Members supported the proposal in principle but recommended further legal and technical improvements before its final approval.
Education experts believe the introduction of a compulsory AI course marks a significant step toward preparing Pakistani students for the digital economy and the rapidly changing global job market. By integrating Artificial Intelligence, digital literacy, ethical AI practices, and problem-solving skills into higher education, the HEC aims to ensure graduates remain competitive in future careers.