The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) has officially denied any involvement in the creation or development of Zahanat AI,a chatbot application recently referred to by the Federal Minister for IT as Pakistan’s first GPT. The Ministry clarified that the chatbot is entirely a private sector initiative and has no affiliation with the government.
This clarification came in a written response submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, after public confusion emerged regarding the project’s nature and its association with the state. The Minister’s earlier remarks had created the impression that the chatbot had been developed as part of a government-backed effort in artificial intelligence.
Zahanat AI is Not a Government Project
In its official statement, MOITT stated unequivocally that Zahanat AI is not a state-backed or government-funded project. Instead, it is a private initiative developed independently of the Ministry or any government institution.
The Minister’s statement was misunderstood, the Ministry said. His comments referred to a private innovation and not to any project undertaken by MOITT or any of its attached departments.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to supporting the private sector and fostering an environment conducive to innovation, especially in emerging technologies like AI. However, it also made clear that MOITT does not take credit for or claim association with privately launched technologies, including Zahanat AI.
Commitment to Supporting Private Innovation
Despite the miscommunication, the Ministry reiterated that it welcomes and encourages the private sector’s participation in Pakistan’s digital transformation. MOITT officials underlined that the government’s role is to facilitate, regulate, and support innovation, not to take ownership of it unless directly involved.
This clarification was necessary to avoid misrepresentation and to maintain transparency around the government’s digital and technological priorities. The Ministry said that accurate public communication is essential as Pakistan seeks to modernize its technological infrastructure.
A Separate Public Sector AI Initiative Is Underway
While distancing itself from Zahanat AI, the MOITT also highlighted a genuine government-backed project in the artificial intelligence domain. This initiative involves the development of an indigenous Large Language Model (LLM) under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between three major entities:
- National Information Technology Board (NITB)
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
- Jazz, a leading telecom operator
This project aims to build a local AI model that can help enhance government functions, improve public services, and promote transparency across various sectors. By focusing on homegrown AI capabilities, the initiative is expected to reduce reliance on foreign technologies and bolster Pakistan’s digital sovereignty.
Why the LLM Project Matters
The indigenous LLM project is part of a broader vision to leverage artificial intelligence for national development. According to the Ministry, this public sector initiative will:
- Enable AI-based decision-making tools for governance
- Enhance public sector service delivery
- Promote technological self-reliance
- Serve as a foundation for future AI-based applications tailored to local languages and data contexts
The Ministry also indicated that this is just the beginning of Pakistan’s long-term investment in advanced technologies. The LLM model will potentially serve as the backbone for digital public infrastructure, supporting applications in healthcare, education, governance, and more.
Lessons Learned from the Zahanat AI Mix-Up
The confusion surrounding Zahanat AI has highlighted the need for clear communication between government departments, the private sector, and the general public. As AI continues to make headlines globally, the line between public initiatives and private ventures can easily become blurred, particularly when high-level government officials speak on emerging technologies.
Going forward, the MOITT has committed to ensuring that all public statements about government projects are clearly defined and well-communicated, especially in highly technical domains like artificial intelligence.
The Ministry of IT has taken a clear stance in separating its efforts from private sector innovations like Zahanat AI, while reaffirming its commitment to developing state-owned AI infrastructure through collaborative and research-driven initiatives. With the indigenous LLM project now underway, the government is laying the groundwork for a digitally empowered Pakistan, built on transparency, innovation, and collaboration between public and private sectors.
As AI becomes a growing focus in Pakistan’s digital agenda, it will be crucial for both public institutions and tech entrepreneurs to maintain open dialogue and clarity to foster sustainable and impactful technological progress.
