Pakistan joins global AI body as founding member

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable AI governance, expanding access to emerging technologies,

SHANGHAI: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar concluded his two-day visit to Shanghai after Pakistan formally became a founding member of the newly established World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its role in global AI governance.

Representing Pakistan at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026, Dar signed the founding agreement of WAICO alongside representatives from 28 other countries. The new organisation aims to promote international cooperation in artificial intelligence, support capacity-building initiatives, and help bridge the digital divide, particularly among developing nations.

During the visit, Dar also attended the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who highlighted artificial intelligence as a key driver of future economic growth and global cooperation.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable AI governance, expanding access to emerging technologies, and ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared globally. The Foreign Office said the country’s participation reflects its vision of strengthening international collaboration while advancing the interests of developing nations.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the growing Pakistan-China strategic partnership. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.

Both sides also agreed to accelerate high-quality development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 and maintain close coordination on regional and international issues through continued diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation.

Dar was accompanied by Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Bilal Bin Saqib, senior Foreign Office officials, and Pakistan’s diplomatic representatives in China.

Pakistan has been actively expanding its artificial intelligence ecosystem through policy reforms and investment initiatives. The country’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy outlines plans to invest approximately Rs278 billion by 2030 to promote innovation, develop secure AI systems, strengthen international partnerships, and train one million people through the “AI Seekho 2026” programme.

The government has also introduced a sovereign AI cloud, startup funding initiatives, and efforts to establish a regulatory framework for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

Held from July 17 to 20 under the theme “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,” the World Artificial Intelligence Conference has brought together global technology leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to discuss the future of AI governance, technological advancement, and international collaboration. The event features more than 140 forums and over 1,100 companies showcasing the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s premier AI conferences.