Pakistan deputy PM to attend China-led AI body signing in Shanghai

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to travel to Shanghai from July 16-17 to represent Pakistan at the signing ceremony for the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO). The Foreign Office announced that Dar will attend as a founding member and sign the agreement on behalf of Pakistan.

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He will also participate in the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance on 17 July 2026.

During his visit, Dar will also participate in the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and a High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. These engagements aim to foster international cooperation in artificial intelligence, with a specific focus on the priorities and development needs of the Global South.

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During his engagements, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will share Pakistan’s perspective on strengthening international cooperation in artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on the priorities and development needs of the Global South.

The Foreign Office stated that Dar will emphasize bridging the global AI divide, promoting equitable access to AI technologies, and enhancing capacity-building. The goal is to ensure AI benefits contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity. This initiative follows China's Premier Li Qiang's call for AI governance and open-source development last year, leading to the establishment of a Chinese-led body for international AI cooperation. Pakistan previously expressed support for this initiative in May, pledging to work with Beijing to advance global governance and cooperation on AI.

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He will 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 for all.