Ishaq Dar reaches Shanghai for Global AI Conference

Ishaq Dar reaches Shanghai for Global AI Conference

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Shanghai on Thursday for a two-day visit to attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and strengthen the country’s role in global AI cooperation.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar will sign the agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), making Pakistan one of its founding members. He will also attend the organisation’s opening ceremony on July 17.

During his visit, Dar will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and hold discussions with several other foreign ministers on the sidelines of the conference. The meetings will focus on bilateral relations, AI collaboration, and other issues of mutual interest.

The Foreign Office said Dar will present Pakistan’s vision for international AI cooperation, highlighting inclusive and fair AI governance, capacity-building, and the priorities of developing countries, particularly those in the Global South.

Pakistan has supported China’s proposal to establish WAICO since Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China in May. During that visit, the prime minister described the initiative as an important step towards promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence and strengthening global cooperation.

Pakistan has also been expanding its AI sector in recent years, with growing investment in talent and startups developing AI-based solutions for healthcare, education, agriculture, and other industries.