
In line with the global trend of countries drafting policies for artificial intelligence (AI) to regulate generative technology, Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is not done with the formation of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
Since AI rapidly gained unparalleled traction over the past few years, governments are said to be resorting to establishing procedures and regulations to make the most of this technology and curtail possible risks associated with it.
Citing sources, Business Recorder reported that the policy has reached deep in the draft stage and deliberations of concerned stakeholders are slated to be taken soon.
To obtain feedback from all stakeholders, the Draft Policy was uploaded on the official web of the IT ministry in June 2023. The ministry has also established the Artificial Intelligence Policy Committee to place a lid on consultation and finalise the AI policy draft.
The publication also noted that the committee on AI policy consists of experts from industry, academia, civil society and government.
While there are no AI-oriented regulations in the country at the moment, the regulatory framework present in the draft policy comprises five primary pillars.
In the form of laws, rules, or policy, efforts from the IT ministry are reportedly aimed at addressing the challenges believed to be linked to the untamed use of AI.
Such initiatives by the ministry include the National Cyber Security Policy, 2021, Pakistan Cloud First Policy, 2022, CERT Rules, 2023, and other sector-specific regulations such as Critical Telecom Data and Infrastructure Security Regulation (CTDISR).