Pakistan to Join China-Led Global AI Body as Founding Member

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar left Islamabad for Shanghai on Thursday as Pakistan moved to formally become a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, a China-led platform focused on global AI collaboration. The visit places Islamabad inside one of Beijing’s most closely watched technology diplomacy initiatives at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming central to economic competition and international governance.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar is expected to sign the country’s founding membership agreement during his two-day visit to China. He will also attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026, where governments, technology companies and international organisations are gathering to discuss the future direction of AI development and regulation.

The development signals Pakistan’s intention to take a more active role in global discussions on emerging technologies. Islamabad has repeatedly argued that developing countries should not be left behind as AI transforms industries, public services, education, health systems and national security planning across the world.

Officials said Dar will present Pakistan’s view on international AI cooperation, with emphasis on the needs of the Global South. The Pakistani position is expected to focus on access to technology, capacity building, fair participation in AI governance and the use of artificial intelligence for sustainable development rather than narrow control by a few advanced economies.

Dar is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart during the visit, along with other official engagements on matters of mutual interest. The trip comes after Pakistan earlier expressed support for China’s proposal to establish a global AI cooperation body, describing it as a step toward making artificial intelligence beneficial and accessible for all.

The Chinese initiative was first advanced last year as Beijing sought to shape international debate over AI governance. China has promoted a model that stresses open-source development, wider access for developing countries and reduced dependence on Western-controlled technology ecosystems, while the United States and its allies continue to push their own frameworks for innovation and regulation.

This year’s Shanghai conference is also expected to highlight China’s growing domestic AI capabilities, including major computing systems designed to reduce reliance on advanced US chips. The event is taking place against the backdrop of intensifying technological rivalry between Washington and Beijing, making AI governance not only a scientific and economic issue but also a major diplomatic battleground.

For Pakistan, founding membership of WAICO could offer diplomatic visibility, technical partnerships and potential access to cooperation channels in a field where the country is still building institutional capacity. It may also support future planning in digital governance, public-sector automation, research collaboration, cybersecurity and skills development.

The practical impact will depend on how Islamabad follows up after the signing. Pakistan will need clear domestic AI policies, investment in human capital, safeguards against misuse and stronger links between universities, regulators and industry if participation in global AI forums is to translate into real technological progress at home.