The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has recommended postponing the establishment of an AI regulator in Pakistan, arguing that the country should first focus on developing a robust AI ecosystem.
In its written reply to the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom regarding the proposed “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act, 2024,” the ministry emphasized that regulating such an emerging technology at this stage would be premature.
The ministry highlighted that AI offers significant opportunities for economic and technological advancement but also brings associated risks. Globally, over 50 countries have developed national AI policies or strategies, while fewer than 10 have enacted AI-specific regulations. According to the IT ministry, Pakistan should prioritize foundational elements such as data governance, availability, and protection as essential prerequisites for creating a thriving AI ecosystem.
According to the ministry, leadership on AI development in Pakistan is shared between the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MoPDSI) and the Minister of State for IT & Telecom. To address AI opportunities and challenges, the MoPDSI has formed an inclusive task force with members from the public sector, industry, and academia to develop a National AI Plan.
Similarly, the ministry has established an AI Committee tasked with finalizing the National AI Policy to foster an enabling environment for AI growth.
The Ministry also stressed the importance of engaging provinces to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach. The AI task force and the MOITT policy committee have agreed that Pakistan should concentrate on building the necessary infrastructure and capabilities for AI before introducing formal regulations. While the draft AI Policy includes recommendations for an AI regulator, these are intended as part of a phased approach to be implemented in the future.
According to the ministry, introducing regulatory measures for AI at this stage would be premature given the nascent state of the country’s AI ecosystem. The ministry emphasized that regulating AI should follow the establishment of a well-developed and mature AI environment, aligning with the goals outlined in the National AI Plan currently under development.