Pakistan has taken a significant step in its digital transformation journey by becoming one of the 29 founding members of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), a newly established intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting international cooperation in artificial intelligence.
The founding agreement was signed in Shanghai by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, alongside representatives from several countries, including China, Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and other member states. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, highlighting the growing global importance of AI governance and international collaboration.
By joining WAICO as a founding member, Pakistan secures an influential role in discussions that will help shape future global frameworks, policies, and standards for artificial intelligence. Officials say the membership provides Pakistan with an opportunity to actively contribute to international AI development rather than joining global initiatives at a later stage.
Pakistan has emphasized its commitment to representing the interests of the Global South, advocating for equitable access to AI technologies, narrowing the digital divide, and ensuring that developing nations benefit from advancements in artificial intelligence.
The development builds on Pakistan’s recent efforts to strengthen its AI ecosystem. Over the past year, the country has introduced a National AI Policy, announced plans to invest $1 billion in sovereign computing infrastructure by 2030, and expanded cooperation with international partners in emerging technologies.
Commenting on the development, Prof. Yasar Ayaz, Chairman of the National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), described Pakistan’s participation as a positive step that will further strengthen collaboration between Pakistan and China in the field of artificial intelligence.
Experts believe membership in WAICO will create new opportunities for research, innovation, technology transfer, capacity building, and international partnerships, helping Pakistan accelerate its ambitions of becoming a key player in the global digital economy.
