Pakistan has opted for a gradual and inclusive approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, placing greater emphasis on ecosystem development before introducing any formal legislative framework. This strategic direction was shared during a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, held ahead of deliberations on the “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act, 2024.”
The bill, introduced by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan and formally titled the “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act, 2024,” aims to establish a comprehensive legal structure for the deployment and oversight of AI technologies within Pakistan. However, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has advocated for a phased progression, underlining the importance of building the right infrastructure, governance standards, and collaborative mechanisms first.
In its briefing to the Senate committee, the MoITT acknowledged the transformative potential of AI across innovation, economic development, and national progress. Simultaneously, it highlighted the complex risks AI presents—including data misuse, algorithmic bias, and ethical dilemmas—which require thoughtful mitigation strategies. Rather than rushing into enforcement, the ministry emphasized the importance of first laying down a solid foundation that can support the long-term success and responsible use of AI.
While over 50 countries worldwide have adopted national AI policies, the MoITT noted that fewer than 10 have introduced AI-specific laws. Pakistan, it stated, aims to follow this global trend of capacity-building before enforcement. As part of this, the government is actively working on enhancing areas such as data governance, data protection frameworks, digital infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration between academia, industry, and government bodies.
Leadership in AI policy formulation is currently being jointly driven by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MoPDSI) and the MoITT. The MoPDSI has already established an inclusive AI Taskforce, composed of experts and representatives from public institutions, private organizations, and universities. This taskforce is responsible for developing a National AI Plan designed to promote AI innovation across different sectors in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the MoITT has created its own AI Policy Committee, which is similarly inclusive and tasked with drafting Pakistan’s National AI Policy. This policy will provide strategic direction for nurturing the country’s AI landscape and will be closely aligned with the broader vision outlined in the National AI Plan being developed by the Planning Ministry.
Ensuring broad-based participation, both federal ministries have committed to incorporating feedback from all provincial stakeholders in the AI policy formulation process. This reflects the government’s intent to shape a truly national and consensus-driven AI strategy.
A key takeaway from the ongoing consultations is the shared belief among government officials, policy committees, and industry stakeholders that regulation should follow once an enabling AI environment has matured. Premature legislation, it was argued, could risk stifling innovation and economic potential.
The draft AI policy, which is currently under review, is expected to address foundational aspects such as ethical AI principles, data availability, and transparent governance frameworks. Once finalized, the AI policy and National AI Plan will provide the baseline from which regulatory mechanisms can evolve in a structured and informed manner.
Pakistan’s phased approach mirrors international best practices, where nations are initially prioritizing digital readiness and capacity-building in the AI domain. The finalized policy frameworks are expected to be launched in the coming months, marking a pivotal step toward responsible AI governance in the country.
