SHANGHAI: Pakistan on Thursday became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), joining a China-backed initiative aimed at strengthening global cooperation on artificial intelligence and giving developing nations a greater voice in shaping the technology's future.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the agreement establishing the organization during a ceremony in Shanghai, marking Pakistan's formal entry as a founding member of WAICO.
Dar is leading a high-level Pakistani delegation that includes Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib, and Adviser to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives Ali Dar.
Future of AI governance
The delegation is also participating in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, taking place in Shanghai from July 17 to 20, where government leaders, policymakers, researchers and technology executives are expected to discuss the future of AI governance, innovation and international collaboration.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan's decision to join WAICO as a founding member reflects its commitment to expanding international cooperation on artificial intelligence, particularly from the perspective of developing countries.
Islamabad said it would work with fellow member states to help bridge the global AI divide, promote equitable access to emerging technologies and ensure that AI contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development.
China first proposed establishing WAICO last year as part of its broader push to develop multilateral frameworks for AI governance amid growing global competition over AI regulation, standards and technological leadership.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dar held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with the two leaders reviewing the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the countries' All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
According to the Foreign Office, the discussions also focused on accelerating high-quality development under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), while expanding cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence.
Pakistan-China cooperation
Pakistan's participation in WAICO comes as the government seeks to position itself more prominently in emerging technologies, including AI, digital infrastructure, blockchain and virtual assets.
By joining the organization at its inception, Islamabad is expected to play a role in shaping future discussions on AI governance while seeking greater access to international partnerships, research collaboration and capacity-building initiatives.
The move also signals Pakistan's intention to deepen technological cooperation with China at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important pillar of economic competitiveness and geopolitical influence.
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