Key Takeaways
- Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the signing ceremony of WAICO.
- The event is part of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai.
- Pakistan aims to strengthen international cooperation on AI, focusing on global South priorities.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Shanghai from July 16-17 for a series of high-level meetings related to artificial intelligence (AI) governance. The trip is part of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), where Dar will sign an agreement on behalf of Pakistan as a founding member.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar will be accompanied by a delegation and will participate in the Opening Ceremony of WAIC and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. The deputy prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his Chinese counterpart during these engagements.
During his visit, Dar will emphasize Pakistan’s perspective on strengthening international cooperation in AI, particularly focusing on the priorities and development needs of the Global South. He will also underscore the importance of bridging the global AI divide, promoting equitable access to AI technologies, enhancing capacity-building, and ensuring that the benefits of AI contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Last July, Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted the need for governance and open-source development during the opening of WAIC in Shanghai. This initiative led to the establishment of a China-led body for international AI cooperation. During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day visit to China in May this year, Pakistan expressed its support for establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), viewing it as a step towards promoting AI development for all.
The Foreign Office statement noted that during his engagements, Dar will share Pakistan’s vision on AI governance and cooperation. The deputy prime minister is expected to discuss matters of mutual interest with other officials, further cementing bilateral relations in the realm of technology.
Pakistan’s participation in this global initiative reflects its commitment to fostering international collaboration in AI, aligning with China’s broader goals for promoting equitable access and sustainable development through technological advancements.
