Islamabad, Jan 28: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has recommended delaying the creation of an AI regulatory authority in Pakistan, emphasizing the need to first establish a robust AI ecosystem in the country. In a written response to the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom regarding the proposed “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act, 2024,” the ministry stressed that regulating AI at this stage would be premature given the early state of Pakistan’s AI landscape.
The ministry highlighted that artificial intelligence offers immense potential for economic and technological progress while also posing risks that need to be managed. It noted that more than 50 countries worldwide have developed national AI strategies or policies, but only a small fraction have implemented AI-specific regulations. The focus for Pakistan, it emphasized, should be on foundational aspects such as data governance, accessibility, and protection, which are critical for fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem.
Read More:DeepSeek Cyberattack Wipes $1.2 Trillion from US Tech Market
Leadership in AI development is currently shared between the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MoPDSI) and the Minister of State for IT & Telecom. To address both the opportunities and challenges of AI, the MoPDSI has formed a diverse task force comprising representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, to devise a National AI Plan. Concurrently, the MoITT has set up an AI Committee to finalize the National AI Policy, aimed at creating an enabling environment for AI innovation and growth.
The ministry also underscored the importance of involving provincial governments to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to AI development. Both the AI task force and the MoITT policy committee have agreed that Pakistan’s priority should be building the infrastructure and capabilities necessary for AI before considering regulatory measures. The draft AI Policy includes provisions for an AI regulatory authority but envisions its implementation as part of a phased strategy once the ecosystem matures.
The MoITT emphasized that regulating AI too early could hinder its growth and that regulations should only be introduced after a well-established AI environment is in place, aligned with the objectives of the National AI Plan currently under development.
