Tech Desk 
Oct 28, 2024
The National Artificial Intelligence Policy of Pakistan, led by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, has been in the form of a draft with minimal progress made since last year.
AI technology is progressing at light speed around the world, and most governments have been preparing strategies to maximise its benefits and manage risks. However, Pakistan still awaits its AI policy.
National AI Policy draft
The draft of the National AI Policy was published online in June 2023 to gather input from key stakeholders. This draft aims to outline a structured approach to managing AI’s growth in Pakistan.
According to ProPakistani, the ministry is consulting with industry experts, academic researchers, civil society members, and government officials to get a range of opinions.
The five major pillars of the Draft Policy include plans for an AI Regulatory Directorate and a Centre of Excellence in AI. These would support an AI-specific regulatory structure in Pakistan.
Although no specific regulation on AI has been set up yet, the ministry has established various policies dealing with the issue, which include the National Cyber Security Policy 2021 and Pakistan Cloud First Policy 2022.
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One of the core goals of this policy is to balance innovation with the management of AI-related risks. The Ministry hopes the policy would establish a safe environment for the exchange of data, as envisioned in the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP).
Despite the delay, the Draft National AI Policy aims to provide a comprehensive framework to manage AI in Pakistan. The policy sets the foundation for AI regulation, seeking to promote technological growth while addressing safety concerns for society's benefit.
The Ministry is now consulting and gathering much-needed feedback on this very important policy in Pakistan's AI future.
