ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called for inclusive global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and broader access to emerging technologies for developing nations, the Pakistani foreign office said on Friday, following a meeting of the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers on the sidelines of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai.
The development came a day after FM Ishaq Dar signed an agreement in Shanghai that made Pakistan a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), which aims to strengthen global AI cooperation, particularly among developing countries.
Pakistan is seeking a greater role in shaping global AI governance while expanding technology ties with longtime ally China, amid Islamabad's efforts to accelerate the country's digital transformation following a series of initiatives to expand AI infrastructure, skills and regulation.
Dar, who was accompanied by a Pakistani delegation, on Friday attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, and held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that focused on working with "like-minded countries" to strengthen global AI cooperation.
"Pakistan supports inclusive and equitable global AI governance, wider access to emerging technologies, capacity-building for developing countries, and enhanced international cooperation to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared by all," the Pakistani foreign office said after the meeting between the two foreign ministers.
Pakistan has increasingly sought to position itself as a participant in global AI governance while using the technology to support economic growth.
The Pakistani government last year approved a comprehensive AI policy, which envisaged a Rs278 billion ($1 billion) investment by 2030, a nationwide AI training program for one million people, expanded AI infrastructure and a regulatory framework promoting ethical use of AI. The country also launched its sovereign AI cloud and a startup fund last October.
Wang vowed to advance cooperation in AI with Islamabad, saying Pakistan's accession to WAICO will serve long-term interests of the country and its people.
"As a responsible major country, China is ready to take up its international obligations and work with like-minded countries to strengthen cooperation on AI and develop AI for good and for all," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.
"It is particularly important that we are helping more and more Global South countries to participate and benefit fairly in this new wave of AI development to prevent another divide in AI in the world and so that humanity can progress and develop together."
Dar said the establishment of WAICO was a "great initiative" proposed by China, adding that Pakistan looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in the field of AI.
"You have been a great supporter of Pakistan, all materials for us, and in all fields," he was quoted as saying. "I have no words to thank you for all your cooperation."
