Ministry of IT Prepares to Unveil Pakistan’s First National AI Policy

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is preparing to announce Pakistan’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, with its expected release by the end of February or early March. This development marks a significant step toward regulating AI in the country while ensuring its responsible and beneficial use.
According to senior officials from the ministry, the AI policy is currently in its draft stage, and consultations with all stakeholders have been completed. The policy aims to provide a comprehensive framework for AI development, governance, and implementation in various sectors. AI is rapidly evolving worldwide, and governments are taking steps to harness its potential while mitigating associated risks. The upcoming policy seeks to address these challenges and establish guidelines for the ethical and secure use of AI technologies in Pakistan.
Ministry of IT Prepares to Unveil Pakistan’s First National AI Policy
To ensure a well-rounded policy, the Ministry of IT and Telecom has established an Artificial Intelligence Policy Committee. This committee consists of AI experts, industry professionals, academicians, civil society representatives, and government officials. Their collective input has helped shape the policy to be both practical and forward-thinking. The committee has worked on identifying potential challenges and opportunities in AI deployment, ensuring that the final policy aligns with international best practices.
Key Pillars of the Draft AI Policy
Currently, Pakistan does not have a dedicated regulatory framework for AI. However, existing policies and laws address some of the concerns related to AI adoption. The draft AI policy is built around five key pillars, which aim to create an enabling environment for AI development while ensuring data protection and security.
Several related laws and policies already contribute to addressing AI challenges. These include:
- National Cyber Security Policy, 2021 – Focuses on cybersecurity measures and protections against cyber threats.
- Pakistan Cloud First Policy, 2022 – Encourages the use of cloud computing to improve efficiency and data security.
- CERT Rules, 2023 – Establish guidelines for managing and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
- Critical Telecom Data and Infrastructure Security Regulation (CTDISR) – Provides security measures for telecom networks and infrastructure.
Additionally, the Data Governance Policy will play a crucial role in ensuring seamless data exchange among stakeholders. It is expected to complement the AI policy by establishing clear guidelines for data usage, privacy, and security, as part of the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP).
Establishment of AI Regulatory Institutions
One of the most important components of the AI policy is the establishment of an AI Regulatory Directorate and a Center of Excellence in AI. These institutions will oversee the AI ecosystem, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements. They will also conduct assessments to determine how AI-generated data is processed and used for specific purposes.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation
The draft AI policy aims to strike a balance between fostering innovation and addressing potential risks. It is designed to create an AI-friendly environment. It will encourage research, development, and investment while safeguarding public interest and national security. The policy will provide a solid foundation for integrating AI into various industries, including healthcare, education, finance, and governance.
Once finalized and implemented, the National AI Policy will be a milestone in Pakistan’s technological journey, ensuring that AI is used responsibly for the benefit of society while aligning with global standards and best practices.
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