Pakistan is set to become the first country to sign the Digital and AI Compact as Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja travels to South Korea to attend the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026. The minister will represent Pakistan at the international gathering, where discussions will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), digital inclusion and expanding access to digital services. The planned signing places Pakistan’s digital development priorities on the agenda of an international forum focused on technology and equitable access. During the visit, Shaza Fatima is expected to present the country’s future roadmap for artificial intelligence and digital transformation, outlining its priorities for adopting emerging technologies and widening access to digital opportunities.
The minister is also scheduled to participate in the AI and Digital Ministerial Meeting, where representatives will discuss approaches to advancing AI and ensuring that the benefits of digital technology reach more people. Digital inclusion remains a key issue for countries seeking to expand internet connectivity and make public and commercial services available through online platforms. For Pakistan, these priorities are linked to improving access to digital infrastructure, building technology skills and encouraging the use of AI across different sectors. The summit will provide an opportunity for the country to share its approach with international participants and discuss areas where cooperation could support its digital ambitions. Shaza Fatima is also expected to take part in sessions addressing equitable access to the internet and digital services worldwide.
As part of the visit, the federal minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with a Google vice president to discuss matters of mutual interest in digital technology and artificial intelligence. She will also meet a World Bank vice president to discuss potential areas of cooperation. These engagements could provide opportunities to explore collaboration on digital infrastructure, technology adoption and access to online services. However, the announcement does not specify any new agreements or commitments resulting from these planned meetings. The expected signing of the Digital and AI Compact and the minister’s participation in the summit are separate from these bilateral engagements, and any resulting initiatives would depend on subsequent discussions and official announcements.
Pakistan has also been working to establish a policy foundation for AI development. Shaza Fatima has previously said that the country’s national AI policy was formulated following consultations with relevant stakeholders, with implementation identified as a key priority. Existing measures addressing the wider digital and cybersecurity environment include the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, Pakistan Cloud First Policy 2022 and CERT Rules 2023, alongside sector-specific regulations. While these measures cover aspects of digital security and infrastructure, they do not amount to a single, dedicated regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. The planned compact signing may provide a platform for Pakistan to communicate its digital priorities internationally, but its practical significance will depend on the commitments involved and how they are implemented. Progress will ultimately be measured through wider digital access, responsible AI adoption and the delivery of useful technology-based services to citizens and businesses.
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