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ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has opposed the immediate regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), arguing that it is too soon to establish a regulatory body for this emerging technology, as the AI ecosystem in Pakistan is still in its nascent stages.
According to official documents seen by TechJuice, the Senate Secretariat has shared a draft bill titled the “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024” for the Ministry’s input. The bill aims to provide a framework for regulating AI and related matters in the country.
The Ministry acknowledged AI’s vast potential for growth and development but also highlighted its associated risks. While several countries are formulating AI policies and strategies to leverage its benefits and mitigate risks, the MoITT has also begun drafting a national AI policy to harness AI’s full potential and address the challenges it poses.
Globally, over 50 countries have adopted national AI policies or strategies, while fewer than 10 have implemented AI-specific regulations. The Ministry emphasized that most nations prioritize building an AI ecosystem as part of their national strategy rather than rushing into regulations. For Pakistan, essential factors such as data governance, data availability, and data protection must be addressed before considering AI regulations.
AI initiatives at the national level are led by the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MOPDSI) and the Minister of State for IT and Telecom. The MOPDSI has formed a task force on AI, including representatives from public sector entities, industry, and academia, to work on the National AI Plan. This plan aims to develop a comprehensive AI ecosystem across the country.
Similarly, the MoITT has established an AI Committee with members from the public sector, academia, and industry to finalize the National AI Policy. This policy will align with the National AI Plan and provide strategic direction for AI development in Pakistan.
To ensure a more inclusive approach, both ministers have directed that provincial feedback be included in the process. The task force, the policy committee, and other stakeholders agree that Pakistan should focus on building an enabling environment for AI first, with regulations to follow once the ecosystem is more developed.
