LocationsPakistan’s Roadmap Towards AI for Development
By H.E. Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja | Federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications
Pakistan is not just catching up in the AI revolution—we are taking the lead, ensuring our digital future is built on innovation, inclusivity and sustainable progress.
Keeping in view the fast-growing developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence across the world, governments are formulating policies, strategies and regulations to benefit from the potential of AI and to overcome its associated challenges. With its enormous potential, AI carries certain risks too, and many countries such as Japan, Canada, China, US and the European Union are, in the process of, or have already introduced regulations to avoid the potential risks associated with AI.
Pakistan has been working towards integrating AI in its national strategy through different public and private initiatives including, policymaking, establishing centres of excellence and capacity building among others. Together with all the stakeholders, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is committed to position Pakistan as a powerhouse in the global digital economy through innovation and ensuring universal access to digital services to realize a sustainable digital ecosystem.
To this end, the recently enacted ‘Digital National Pakistan Act (DNP) 2025’ is aimed at realizing the digital national Pakistan vision. With a focus on building a dynamic digital society, robust digital economy and efficient governance, this law sets the foundation for the country's digital future. It aims to capitalize on the potential of digital technologies to drive innovation, economic growth and improve wellbeing.
This landmark piece of legislation lays the foundation for a vibrant digital society, an expanding digital economy and transparent digital governance that is underpinned by a robust digital infrastructure.
The National Digital Commission (NDC), Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), and the Strategic Oversight Committee (SOC), as envisaged in the DNP Act, will be established as a key governing body to help effectively drive our government’s vision of ‘Digital National Pakistan’ mainly through the digitization of the economy and continuing to promote e-governance.
To be chaired by the Prime Minister, the NDC will provide strategic vision, high-level governance, and policy direction and will comprise federal and provincial members. Similarly, the PDA will work to achieve the objectives of ‘Digital Nation Pakistan’ and coordinate digital initiatives across federal, provincial and local levels. Moreover, the Authority has also been tasked with overseeing the secure adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, virtual assets, and cloud computing among others to help enhance digital governance and service delivery.
The National AI Policy which is being finalized through a multi-stakeholder and inclusive policy committee will soon be approved. It has the following key pillars:
Enabling AI through Awareness and Readiness
AI Market Enablement
Building a Progressive and Trusted Environment
Transformation and Evolution
International Cooperation
Pakistan is not working in isolation. We are actively engaging with global tech companies. We are also engaged at the bilateral level and at multilateral forums to foster AI research and development and to ensure our efforts are aligned with international norms and frameworks.
International collaboration is key to positioning Pakistan as a regional AI powerhouse. We are committed to creating an AI ecosystem that supports innovation, startups and entrepreneurial ventures. I must also share that one pillar of the draft National AI Policy is completely focused on international collaboration.
With the National AI policy nearing completion and strategic investments in AI talent, infrastructure, and innovation underway, Pakistan is on the path to becoming a regional hub for AI. AI is more than just a technological advancement, it is a revolution that will empower our youth, create new economic opportunities, bridge digital divides, and place Pakistan at the forefront of the global AI developments. The government’s commitment is unwavering. Pakistan is not just catching up in the AI revolution—we are taking the lead, ensuring that our digital future is built on innovation, inclusivity and sustainable progress.
Pakistan actively solicits and advocates enhanced cooperation and collaboration within the regional and global AI ecosystem. Let us all work together to ensure that everyone—irrespective of their gender, country of origin or economic background—has an equal opportunity to the safe and secure access of this emerging technology.