KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday launched three major initiatives aimed at accelerating the province's digital transformation. The initiatives include a Google Gemini Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme for cabinet members and senior government officials, the launch of 20,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for university students, and the inauguration of Sindh's first Google Gemini for Education Corner at NED University of Engineering & Technology.
AI Training for Cabinet and Senior Officials
At the Chief Minister's House, Murad Ali Shah presided over an orientation and training session on Google Gemini AI for cabinet members and senior officials. Addressing the participants, he described Artificial Intelligence as one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era and stressed the need to prepare government institutions for the future. He said AI has the potential to streamline administrative processes, analyse large volumes of data, strengthen policymaking and improve public service delivery across sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, finance and law enforcement. He urged cabinet members to embrace emerging technologies and identify practical applications to enhance governance and improve services for citizens.
20,000 Google Career Certificate Scholarships
Following the training session, the Chief Minister launched the Google Career Certificate Programme 2026 and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sindh Science & Information Technology Department, the Sindh Higher Education Commission and Tech Valley Pakistan. Under the initiative, 20,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in public-sector universities across Sindh, enabling them to earn internationally recognised certifications in high-demand digital fields. Speaking on the occasion, Murad Ali Shah described the programme as a transformative investment in the future of Sindh's youth and the province's digital economy. He welcomed the expansion of the programme to all public-sector universities, ensuring equitable access to digital learning opportunities for talented students across the province.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the programme's emphasis on women, persons with disabilities and students from underserved communities, saying digital education can help eliminate traditional barriers and create equal opportunities. The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU by the Secretary of the Science & Information Technology Department, the Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission and the Chief Executive Officer of Tech Valley Pakistan in the presence of the Chief Minister.
Inauguration of Google Gemini for Education Corner at NED University
Later, Murad Ali Shah visited NED University of Engineering & Technology, where he inaugurated Sindh's first Google Gemini for Education Corner, established through a partnership between NED University, Google and Tech Valley Pakistan. Addressing the gathering as chief guest, the Chief Minister described the Gemini Corner as a gateway to the future and a significant step towards preparing Sindh's students for the age of Artificial Intelligence. He commended NED University for pioneering direct access to world-class AI technologies within a public-sector university, enabling students to learn, innovate and compete on a global stage. Murad Ali Shah congratulated NED University, Google, Tech Valley Pakistan, the Sindh Higher Education Commission and the Science & Information Technology Department for making the landmark initiative possible.
Fiscal Shortfall and Other Issues
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday said that under the revised budget estimates, Sindh was expected to receive Rs175 billion from the federal government by the end of June; however, only Rs91 billion was released, resulting in a shortfall of Rs85 billion. He said this while talking to the media at NED University just after inaugurating Sindh's first Google Gemini for Education Corner. Replying to a question regarding fiscal matters, the Chief Minister said that the reduced transfers place additional pressure on provincial finances and development commitments.
On local government reforms, Murad Shah stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has consistently worked to strengthen local government institutions in Sindh. The CM emphasised the importance of intelligence-led security measures, and highlighted the Sindh government's commitment to technological advancement and digital innovation. Responding to questions regarding proposals for a federal institution for urban development coordination, the Chief Minister said that Sindh had no objection to the establishment of any coordinating federal body.
To a question, Murad Shah said that there was no specific terrorist threat. However, the Sindh government has significantly strengthened its intelligence and security framework by establishing new institutions and enhancing coordination among relevant agencies. He noted that intelligence-based operations are essential in preventing terrorist incidents, particularly suicide attacks, which are extremely difficult to stop without timely intelligence gathering and analysis.
Expressing concern over the prolonged electricity outages being experienced in various parts of the province, including in Karachi, Murad Shah said that the situation is causing serious hardship to citizens and called for immediate remedial measures. He said Sindh possesses immense renewable energy potential and should be facilitated in pursuing clean and sustainable energy solutions. The Chief Minister concluded by highlighting the significance of the newly inaugurated Google AI Room at NED University, describing it as an important step toward equipping students with cutting-edge technological skills and advancing Sindh's vision of innovation-driven development.
