Islamabad, Aug 27: The National Artificial Intelligence Policy has not yet been finalized by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. Globally, the field of artificial intelligence is developing, and governments are preparing to implement policies, guidelines, and protocols to maximize the technology’s potential while reducing its related risks.
ProPakistani was informed by sources that the policy is now in draft form and that all interested parties are being consulted. Since June 2023, the Ministry of IT & Telecom has posted the Draft Policy on its website in an effort to get input from all interested parties.
An Artificial Intelligence Policy Committee has already been established by the Ministry of IT & Telecom in order to complete the consultation process and polish the draft. Experts from government, business, academia, and civil society make up the Policy Committee. There are five primary pillars that make up the regulatory framework found in the proposed policy.
Although the nation currently lacks a legislative framework specifically designed for artificial intelligence, a variety of measures, such as laws, rules, and policies from the Ministry, aim to address any potential issues that may arise from the application of AI. This covers, among other things, the Critical Telecom Data and Infrastructure Security Regulation (CTDISR), the Pakistan Cloud First Policy 2022, the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, the CERT Rules, 2023, and other sector-specific regulations.
In addition, the Data Governance Policy will create the conditions necessary for all parties to be able to communicate data seamlessly, as the Digital Economy Enhance Project (DEEP) envisions. It is important to note that the first pillar of AI establishes the Center of Excellence in AI, the AI Regulatory Directorate, and other measures that will facilitate the creation of an AI-specific regulatory framework and the need-based evaluation of data collected and processed for designated objectives.
The M/o IT & Telecom’s Draft AI Policy offers a strong framework for controlling the advancement and application of AI in Pakistan. To guarantee that AI is used for the intended purposes, the suggested framework seeks to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and addressing potential hazards.
