Pakistan to join global AI body as founding member

Pakistan is set to strengthen its presence in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence by becoming a founding member of the newly established World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Shanghai on Thursday for a two-day visit, during which he will formally sign the agreement bringing Pakistan into the international organisation.

The visit marks an important step in Pakistan’s efforts to expand cooperation in emerging technologies and play a greater role in shaping the future of global artificial intelligence governance.

According to the Foreign Office, Ishaq Dar will participate in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), one of the world’s leading forums on AI. The conference brings together heads of government, policymakers, technology companies, researchers and industry experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and international cooperation.

During the visit, Pakistan will officially become one of the founding members of WAICO. The new organisation has been established to encourage collaboration among countries on the responsible development, regulation and application of artificial intelligence.

Officials said Dar will present Pakistan’s vision for international AI cooperation. He is expected to emphasise the importance of developing artificial intelligence in a manner that is inclusive, transparent and beneficial for all countries. Pakistan will also advocate for equal participation of developing nations in global AI policymaking and technological advancement.

The deputy prime minister is expected to highlight the need for stronger international cooperation in areas such as AI governance, digital innovation, research partnerships, knowledge sharing and capacity-building. Pakistan believes that artificial intelligence should be developed in a way that reduces technological inequality rather than widening the gap between developed and developing countries.

As part of his engagements in Shanghai, Dar will also hold bilateral meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and several other international counterparts. The discussions are expected to focus on bilateral relations, regional developments and expanding cooperation in technology, trade and artificial intelligence.