ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has raised concerns over the premature regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pakistan. The Ministry argues that the AI ecosystem in the country is still in its early stages, and it would be too soon to establish a regulatory framework for this rapidly evolving technology. Instead, the MoITT advocates for a more gradual approach, focusing on building the foundational elements of the AI ecosystem before moving towards regulation.
According to official documents reviewed by TechJuice, the Senate Secretariat had circulated a draft bill titled the “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024” for the Ministry’s feedback. The bill is designed to set up a regulatory body to govern AI development and its related sectors in Pakistan. However, the MoITT has expressed reservations about rushing into such a framework at this point, citing the early stage of AI development in the country.
While the Ministry recognizes the immense potential AI holds for Pakistan’s growth and innovation, it also acknowledges the risks associated with the technology, including issues related to data privacy, ethical concerns, and job displacement. Several countries around the world have begun formulating their own AI policies and strategies to harness the technology’s benefits while minimizing its potential negative impacts. However, fewer than ten nations have implemented specific AI regulations. Most have focused on building a solid AI ecosystem and developing strategies to ensure AI’s responsible use.
The MoITT emphasized that Pakistan must first address critical factors such as data governance, data availability, and data protection before rushing into AI regulations. These foundational aspects are essential for the safe and effective use of AI technologies. The Ministry pointed out that over 50 countries have adopted national AI strategies, but the majority of these countries prioritize ecosystem development and AI infrastructure before implementing regulations.
To align with global best practices, Pakistan’s AI initiatives are being led by the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MOPDSI) and the Minister of State for IT and Telecom. Under the leadership of MOPDSI, a task force on AI has been formed, which includes representatives from public sector organizations, industry, and academia. This task force is working on the National AI Plan, which aims to create a comprehensive AI ecosystem that can support the technology’s growth in Pakistan.
At the same time, the MoITT has established an AI Committee tasked with developing the National AI Policy. This committee also includes members from various sectors, including the public sector, academia, and the tech industry. The National AI Policy will align with the National AI Plan and provide strategic guidance for AI development in the country.
In an effort to ensure that the AI policy reflects the needs of all stakeholders, both the MOPDSI and MoITT have directed that provincial input be included in the process. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that AI development in Pakistan is inclusive and benefits all regions of the country. Both the task force and the AI policy committee agree that Pakistan should focus on fostering an enabling environment for AI before imposing any regulations. Once the ecosystem matures and the necessary frameworks are in place, the government can then move towards implementing regulations.
The MoITT’s stance on delaying AI regulation reflects the ongoing global debate about how best to manage the rapid development of AI technologies. As AI continues to evolve, Pakistan is taking a cautious but strategic approach, emphasizing the need to create a robust AI ecosystem before introducing regulatory measures that may inadvertently stifle innovation.