Ahsan Iqbal calls for SCO-wide digital governance and AI network

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has proposed a regional platform under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to strengthen digital governance, artificial intelligence skills and technology cooperation among member states.

URUMQI: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has proposed a regional platform under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to strengthen digital governance, artificial intelligence skills and technology cooperation among member states.

Speaking at a thematic forum on digital governance and capacity building during the 2026 SCO Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, China, Iqbal said countries needed to look beyond simply moving government services online and focus on building systems that are citizen-focused, interconnected and driven by data.

The minister argued that genuine digital transformation requires more than technology. He said governments also need trained personnel, effective institutions, financial resources and appropriate safeguards to ensure emerging technologies and data are used securely and responsibly.

Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing digital transformation under the Uraan Pakistan development agenda, particularly its E-Pakistan pillar. He also linked these efforts with the digital and economic objectives of CPEC 2.0.

He said the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 had created institutional mechanisms, including the National Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority to oversee the country’s digital transformation.

Pakistan is also working to expand digital infrastructure and improve the delivery of public services through the Digital Economy Enhancement Project, according to the minister.

On artificial intelligence, Iqbal said Pakistan was moving from raising awareness about AI toward practical implementation and measurable results. He noted that the National AI Task Force includes representatives from government, academia, industry and technology sectors.

The National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, operating through nine laboratories at six universities, has produced more than 220 AI-related products and designs, he said.

Pakistan has also set an ambitious goal of training one million non-IT professionals in AI by 2030. Seven AI hubs are being established under the National AI Advancement Initiative, with 20,000 training opportunities planned for graduates, teachers, government officials and industry professionals. The DigiSkills programme has meanwhile surpassed 4.5 million enrolments.

For SCO cooperation, Iqbal proposed five major initiatives: a regional Digital Governance Academy, a Digital Public Infrastructure Exchange, a fellowship programme for digital government and AI, a forum focused on responsible AI and data governance and a facility aimed at digital inclusion and innovation.

He suggested beginning practical cross-border data cooperation with trade and logistics before expanding into sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, climate and industry.

Iqbal emphasized that regional cooperation should be judged through tangible results, including officials trained, digital systems connected, fellowships completed and citizens benefiting from improved online services.

He said Pakistan was prepared to work with China and other SCO members to turn the proposed initiatives into practical cooperation and broader digital development.