Key Takeaways
- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the agreement for Pakistan to join WAICO in Shanghai.
- WAICO was proposed by China last year to govern artificial intelligence globally.
- Pakistan aims to bridge the global AI divide and promote equitable access to AI technology.
Pakistan has officially become a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), signing an agreement in Shanghai, China. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed this document on behalf of Pakistan during a ceremony held on Thursday.
The establishment of WAICO was proposed by China last year as part of its broader strategy for AI governance. As a founding member, Pakistan is committed to advancing international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, particularly from the perspective of the Global South.
In his statement, Foreign Minister Dar emphasized that Pakistan looks forward to working closely with fellow WAICO member states to help bridge the global AI divide and promote equitable access to AI technology for all. This initiative aligns with Pakistan's broader goals in promoting inclusive development through technological advancements.
During his two-day visit to China, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the margins of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026. The meeting focused on deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China.
The two leaders reviewed the broad canvas of Pakistan-China bilateral relations, underscoring the importance of advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0. They also discussed enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. The meeting further reinforced strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Dar arrived in Shanghai earlier today to sign an agreement for Pakistan to join WAICO as a founding member. Upon his arrival, he was received by Shanghai Vice Mayor Wu Wei, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires to China Aizaz Khan, and Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai Shahzad Ahmad Khan.
The visit also includes participation in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 where Foreign Minister Dar will engage with other leaders to advance international AI cooperation and promote inclusive, equitable AI governance. This event is part of China’s broader strategy for global AI leadership and collaboration.
