The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is preparing to unveil Pakistan’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, expected to be released by late February or early March. This initiative represents a crucial advancement in the regulation of AI within the nation, aiming to promote its responsible and advantageous application.
As per senior officials from the ministry, the AI policy is presently in the drafting phase, with consultations among all relevant stakeholders having been finalized. The objective of the policy is to create a thorough framework for the development, governance, and implementation of AI across various sectors. Given the rapid global evolution of AI, governments are actively seeking to leverage its potential while addressing the associated risks. The forthcoming policy intends to tackle these issues and set forth guidelines for the ethical and secure deployment of AI technologies in Pakistan.
To develop a comprehensive policy, the Ministry of IT and Telecom has formed an Artificial Intelligence Policy Committee. This committee is comprised of experts in AI, industry leaders, academic scholars, representatives from civil society, and government officials. Their combined insights have contributed to the formulation of a policy that is both pragmatic and progressive. The committee has focused on recognizing potential challenges and opportunities associated with AI implementation, ensuring that the resulting policy adheres to international best practices.
Key Points of Draft AI Policy
At present, Pakistan lacks a specific regulatory framework for artificial intelligence. Nevertheless, current policies and laws do address certain issues related to the adoption of AI. The proposed AI policy is structured around five key points, designed to foster a supportive environment for AI development while prioritizing 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.
The Data Governance Policy will also be instrumental in facilitating smooth data exchange among stakeholders. It is anticipated to support the AI policy by providing explicit guidelines regarding data utilization, privacy, and security, as part of the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP).
Establishment of AI Regulatory
The establishment of an AI Regulatory Directorate and a Center of Excellence in AI represents a crucial element of the AI policy. These entities will be responsible for monitoring the AI ecosystem and ensuring adherence to ethical standards and regulatory obligations. Additionally, they will perform evaluations to ascertain the methods by which AI-generated data is processed and utilized for designated purposes.
Innovation and Regulation Frameworks
The proposed AI policy seeks to achieve a balance between promoting innovation and addressing potential risks. Its objective is to establish a conducive environment for artificial intelligence. The policy is intended to stimulate research, development, and investment, all while ensuring the protection of public interest and national security. Furthermore, it will lay a robust groundwork for the incorporation of AI across diverse sectors, such as healthcare, education, finance, and governance.
The completion and execution of the National AI Policy will mark a significant achievement in Pakistan’s technological advancement, guaranteeing that artificial intelligence is utilized ethically for the welfare of society, while also conforming to international standards and best practices.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.