Pakistan joins global AI body WAICO as founding member

Dar signs agreement in Shanghai, pledges support for equitable AI governance and Global South priorities

Pakistan on Thursday became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signing the agreement in Shanghai, the Foreign Office said.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the agreement on the establishment of the WAICO on behalf of Pakistan at the signing ceremony held today in Shanghai, China,” the Foreign Office said in a post on X.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) on behalf of Pakistan at the signing ceremony held today in Shanghai, China.

As a… pic.twitter.com/F8InDUYvTf

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 16, 2026

As a founding member, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international cooperation in artificial intelligence, particularly from the perspective of the Global South.

“Pakistan looks forward to working closely with fellow WAICO member states in efforts to help bridge the global AI divide and to promote equitable access to AI to advance development for all,” the statement added.

Dar arrived in Shanghai earlier in the day on a two-day visit to attend the 2026 WAIC and formalise Pakistan’s participation in the newly established organisation.

He was received by Shanghai Vice Mayor Wu Wei, Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires to China, Aizaz Khan, and Consul General Shahzad Ahmad Khan, according to the Foreign Office.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, along with the delegation, has arrived in Shanghai, China, for an official visit from 16-17 July 2026.

During his visit, he will attend the signing ceremony for the Agreement on the Establishment of… pic.twitter.com/sTxjlOTDYX

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 16, 2026

During the visit, the foreign minister is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the WAIC on July 17 and hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence and other areas of mutual interest.

The Foreign Office said Dar would engage with global leaders to promote inclusive and equitable AI governance, capacity-building, and collaboration aligned with the priorities of developing countries.

Pakistan had earlier endorsed the initiative during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China in May, calling WAICO a step towards promoting the responsible development of artificial intelligence and strengthening global governance.

29 countries, including China, Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai.

🔗https://t.co/RgDQVj4b5Y pic.twitter.com/qYsRZBw1p8

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) July 16, 2026

In recent years, Pakistan has sought to position itself as an emerging player in the AI sector, with growing talent and startups driving innovation across healthcare, education and agriculture.

The country approved its National Artificial Intelligence Policy last year, outlining a roadmap focused on innovation, public awareness, secure systems and international collaboration. The plan includes an estimated Rs278 billion ($1 billion) investment by 2030 and initiatives such as the “AI Seekho 2026” programme to train one million people.

Authorities have also launched a sovereign AI cloud and a startup fund, alongside efforts to establish a regulatory framework for ethical and responsible AI use.

The WAIC, scheduled from July 17 to 20 in Shanghai under the theme “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future”, is expected to bring together global technology leaders, policymakers and researchers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote address, underscoring China’s focus on AI as a driver of economic growth and global governance.

Organisers say the four-day event will feature over 140 forums and more than 1,400 participants, with over 1,100 companies showcasing cutting-edge innovations, including hundreds of global debuts.

The conference has emerged as one of the world's leading platforms for discussions on AI development, governance and industry collaboration, while also promoting innovation, talent exchange and startup growth.