Pakistan Proposes Sovereign AI Framework as SCO Chair
Pakistan has proposed the creation of sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure and a common AI governance framework for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as Islamabad begins its rotating chairmanship of the regional bloc for 2026-27. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented the proposal at the SCO summit in Bishkek, placing technology and digital cooperation among Pakistan’s priorities for its year at the helm.
The proposal forms part of a wider programme outlined by the prime minister for Pakistan’s chairmanship. The agenda covers information technology and artificial intelligence alongside energy development, poverty reduction, disaster management, health, culture and sports. Islamabad is seeking to turn its presidency into a platform for practical cooperation among SCO member states at a time of rapid technological and geopolitical change.
Shehbaz said the proposed AI framework should promote responsible and inclusive development while ensuring that participating countries are not left behind as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important to economies and public institutions. The initiative would give SCO members a regional platform for discussing technological sovereignty, governance standards and the infrastructure needed to develop and deploy AI systems.
The prime minister linked the technology agenda with a broader push for regional connectivity. He argued that stronger transport networks, energy corridors, trade links and resilient supply chains have become increasingly important amid recent geopolitical tensions and disruptions. Pakistan plans to pursue its SCO chairmanship under a theme focused on converting regional ambitions into action through connectivity, innovation and shared prosperity.
Pakistan also highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as an important route connecting regional economies with the Arabian Sea. Shehbaz said Islamabad would continue supporting railway, road and energy projects that improve cross-border connectivity. These plans place Pakistan’s geographic position at the centre of its effort to expand trade and infrastructure cooperation during its SCO leadership period.
Another element of the agenda is Pakistan’s support for establishing an SCO Development Bank. The prime minister described such an institution as important for advancing the organisation’s longer-term development strategy through 2035. A regional financing mechanism could potentially support infrastructure and development projects promoted by member states, although further agreement within the SCO would be required before such an institution takes shape.
For Pakistan, the sovereign AI proposal offers an opportunity to place digital policy alongside traditional priorities such as trade, transport and energy diplomacy. It could also strengthen Islamabad’s role in regional discussions on emerging technologies at a time when governments are increasingly examining how AI infrastructure, data governance and national technological capacity should be managed.
The next stage will depend on how SCO members respond to Pakistan’s proposed action plan during its 2026-27 chairmanship. Islamabad is expected to use upcoming meetings and regional forums to advance discussions on AI governance, connectivity projects and development financing while seeking broader agreement on initiatives that can be implemented across the organisation.