AI Governance Pakistan Becomes Founding Member of WAICO at Shanghai Summit

AI Governance took centre stage as Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and equitable artificial intelligence cooperation at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC). Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan. Delegates from dozens of countries also attended the conference.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the opening ceremony.

He urged countries to strengthen global AI cooperation. He also called for technology sharing and equal access for developing nations.

Furthermore, Xi described AI as a historic technological opportunity. He stressed the need for responsible governance and safeguards to ensure the technology remains under human control while benefiting all nations.

During the conference, Pakistan became a founding member of the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Accordingly, Ishaq Dar signed the founding agreement on Pakistan’s behalf.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s membership reflects its commitment to international AI cooperation. In addition, it supports inclusive AI governance. It also backs wider access to emerging technologies, capacity building and efforts to bridge the digital divide.

Following the conference, Dar described his visit to Shanghai as productive. He also thanked the Chinese government for its hospitality and praised President Xi’s keynote address.

Moreover, Dar said artificial intelligence should serve humanity and advance the common good through shared global responsibility.

The deputy prime minister also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

They also reviewed progress on CPEC 2.0 projects. The projects included the Saindak mining project and the Karakoram Highway Realignment Project. They also discussed other initiatives agreed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s China visit in May 2025.

Dar acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistani delegation. The delegation included IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and AI adviser Ali Mustafa Dar. It also included Bilal Bin Saqib and Additional Secretary Dr Syed Asad Ali Gillani.

On the sidelines of WAIC, Dar met Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane. Finally, both leaders discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed the importance of stronger engagement with ASEAN.