Pakistan’s National AI Policy remains in limbo despite more than a year of deliberations, as the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication struggles to finalize the framework. The policy, still in its draft stage, has yet to receive approval, with key stakeholders continuing to debate its provisions. This delay comes at a time when countries worldwide are rapidly advancing their AI strategies to harness technological growth while mitigating potential risks.
Since June 2023, the Ministry of IT and Telecom has made the draft policy available on its official website, inviting feedback from industry leaders, academia, civil society, and government institutions. In an effort to refine the framework, the government established the Artificial Intelligence Policy Committee, consisting of experts from various sectors, to oversee consultations and ensure a balanced and comprehensive approach. Despite these efforts, sources indicate that discussions are still ongoing, and a finalized version remains elusive.
Pakistan currently lacks a dedicated regulatory framework for AI, leaving the technology largely ungoverned. While several existing policies touch upon AI-related issues, they do not offer a holistic approach to AI governance. The National Cyber Security Policy 2021, Pakistan Cloud First Policy 2022, and CERT Rules 2023 provide some guidelines on data security and infrastructure protection. Additionally, sector-specific regulations such as the Critical Telecom Data and Infrastructure Security Regulation (CTDISR) contribute to AI-related oversight. However, these fragmented measures fail to address the broader implications of AI development, deployment, and ethical concerns.
One of the critical components of the forthcoming AI policy is the creation of an AI Regulatory Directorate, which will oversee AI-generated and processed data, ensuring compliance with national standards. Furthermore, the policy envisions the establishment of a Center of Excellence in AI, aimed at fostering research, innovation, and industry collaboration. These initiatives align with the government’s broader plans to enhance Pakistan’s digital economy and prepare the country for the transformative impact of AI technologies.
The delay in finalizing the AI policy raises concerns about Pakistan’s ability to keep pace with global advancements. Countries such as the United States, China, and the European Union have already introduced detailed AI regulations to guide ethical AI development while addressing concerns related to bias, privacy, and security. Without a clear regulatory framework, Pakistan risks falling behind in AI adoption and failing to safeguard its digital ecosystem from emerging threats.
Another significant aspect of the policy is the upcoming Data Governance Policy, which aims to create a seamless data-sharing environment under the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP). This initiative is expected to streamline AI-driven data utilization, ensuring secure and efficient data management across various industries. However, without a finalized AI policy, the effectiveness of such initiatives remains uncertain.
The government has emphasized that the AI policy seeks to balance innovation with regulatory safeguards, ensuring that AI development benefits all sectors of society. Policymakers aim to foster an AI-driven ecosystem that supports startups, encourages investment, and integrates AI into key industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. However, without concrete legislation and enforcement mechanisms, these aspirations may remain theoretical rather than actionable.
Stakeholders across different sectors continue to push for expedited policy finalization, warning that prolonged delays could hinder Pakistan’s AI-driven growth and reduce its competitiveness in the global digital economy. While the government has expressed commitment to moving forward, the absence of a clear timeline raises doubts about when Pakistan will finally implement a robust AI regulatory framework. Until then, AI development in the country remains largely unregulated, leaving businesses, researchers, and policymakers navigating uncertain terrain.
