The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is in the process of finalizing Pakistan’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, which aims to harness the potential of AI while mitigating associated risks. The policy is currently in draft form, with consultations ongoing among various stakeholders.

The draft policy has been available on the Ministry’s website since June 2023, inviting feedback from industry experts, academia, civil society, and government representatives. An Artificial Intelligence Policy Committee, comprising these stakeholders, has been established to guide the consultation process and finalize the policy.

Globally, AI is a rapidly evolving field, prompting governments to develop frameworks to optimize its benefits and address potential challenges. In Pakistan, while there is no AI-specific regulatory structure yet, several initiatives, such as the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, Pakistan Cloud First Policy 2022, and CERT Rules 2023, attempt to tackle issues related to AI use. Additionally, sector-specific regulations like the Critical Telecom Data and Infrastructure Security Regulation (CTDISR) are in place.

The draft AI policy outlines a regulatory framework based on five main pillars. A key component is the establishment of an AI Regulatory Directorate and a Center of Excellence in AI, which will facilitate the creation of an AI-specific regulatory framework. This framework will conduct need-based assessments of data created and processed for defined purposes.

The Data Governance Policy, part of the broader Digital Economy Enhance Project (DEEP), will further support a seamless data exchange environment, enabling stakeholders to leverage AI technologies effectively.

The proposed AI policy aims to balance innovation with risk management, ensuring that AI development and use benefit society. As the Ministry of IT and Telecom moves towards finalizing the policy, it seeks to lay a solid foundation for regulating AI in Pakistan, promoting technological advancement while safeguarding public interests.