Key Takeaways
- Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Shanghai for a global artificial intelligence conference.
- He will sign the founding agreement of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) on behalf of Pakistan.
- The visit aims to strengthen international cooperation and address AI development needs in the Global South.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to travel to Shanghai, China, for a series of high-level meetings and signings related to artificial intelligence (AI) on July 16 and 17. According to the Foreign Office, Dar will attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and sign the agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member.
During his visit, Dar is expected to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for bilateral discussions. The talks are aimed at exploring ways to enhance international cooperation in AI development, particularly focusing on the priorities and needs of developing countries. The Deputy Prime Minister will present Pakistan’s perspective on how AI can contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The visit also includes participation in the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, where Dar will engage with other global leaders to discuss governance frameworks for AI technologies. This meeting is crucial as it seeks to address issues such as equitable access to AI, capacity building, and ensuring that AI benefits all segments of society.
In his statements, the Foreign Office highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to bridging the global AI divide. The country aims to leverage its participation in WAICO to promote a more inclusive approach to AI development, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of developing nations. Dar is expected to advocate for policies that ensure AI technologies are accessible and beneficial to all regions, not just developed ones.
The visit underscores Pakistan’s growing engagement with global technological initiatives. By participating in such conferences and signing agreements like WAICO, the country hopes to position itself as a key player in international discussions on AI governance and development. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate Pakistan into global technological advancements while ensuring that these technologies contribute positively to national development.
The Foreign Office stated that Dar will use this opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest with other foreign counterparts, further cementing Pakistan’s role in the international community. The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and foster a collaborative environment for future AI projects and initiatives.
