The Punjab government has appointed Ali Mustafa Dar as Adviser to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Special Initiatives, creating a new department focused on innovation-driven policy and technology adoption across the province.
With this appointment, the provincial administration aims to strengthen its focus on emerging technologies, digital transformation, and AI-based governance solutions. As an adviser, Ali Mustafa Dar will hold the status and powers of a provincial cabinet minister. Under existing laws, he will also be eligible to attend sessions of the Punjab Assembly.
According to sources within the provincial government, Dar will be responsible for developing and implementing forward-looking projects designed to improve governance, enhance public service delivery, and create employment opportunities. A key part of his mandate will involve promoting AI-enabled solutions to address administrative challenges and modernize government operations.
Officials say the newly created portfolio reflects the Punjab government’s intention to integrate advanced technologies into policymaking and public administration. The focus will include digital systems, smart governance tools, innovation partnerships, and initiatives aimed at building a technology-friendly ecosystem in the province.
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Ali Mustafa Dar has a strong academic background in science and technology. He studied at University College London (UCL) and later at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), where he earned a degree in Software Engineering. After completing his early education at Aitchison College in Lahore, he moved to the United Kingdom in 2000 to pursue higher studies.
Over the past two decades, Dar has gained international professional experience, particularly in the fields of technology and business. Since the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) returned to power in 2024, he has reportedly been involved in various pro-bono initiatives supporting the government’s development agenda.
Sources indicate that Dar has played a significant role behind the scenes in facilitating high-level international engagements during the current PML-N government’s tenure. Through his global professional network, he is said to have encouraged senior business leaders from the technology and real estate sectors to visit Pakistan and explore investment opportunities. These engagements reportedly included visits to Islamabad and Lahore by prominent international figures.
The creation of an advisory role specifically focused on artificial intelligence and special initiatives signals a strategic shift toward innovation-led governance in Punjab. The government appears keen to position the province as a hub for technology-driven growth, with AI expected to play a central role in areas such as public administration, economic planning, and service delivery.
Officials believe that leveraging AI and emerging technologies can help streamline processes, improve transparency, and enhance efficiency within government departments. The move also aligns with broader global trends, where governments are increasingly integrating digital tools and data-driven systems into policymaking.
With Ali Mustafa Dar’s appointment, the Punjab government is expected to unveil new initiatives in the coming months aimed at promoting digital innovation, encouraging investment in the tech sector, and building capacity for AI-based development across the province.
