In July 2025, Pakistan crossed a digital milestone with the approval of its first-ever National Artificial Intelligence Policy — a bold, ethical and transformative step toward our future. As Chair of the National AI Policy Committee, I had the distinct privilege of guiding this process not merely as a technical exercise, but as a national conversation.

This policy did not emerge from behind closed doors. It was built through an inclusive, iterative process that brought together a multi-stakeholder committee of experts from across Pakistan: government institutions, private technology firms, academia, civil society and the armed forces. Voices from every corner of the country contributed to its vision and detail.

The Ministry of IT and Telecom anchored this effort with clarity and consistency. The team engaged deeply across all phases of drafting and consultation. Minister of State Shaza Fatima Khawaja offered timely guidance and ensured that the policy remained a national priority. Her role was pivotal in securing cabinet approval. Wider feedback was also invited and incorporated. Stakeholders such as HEC, FBR, PEMRA, PTA, provincial IT boards, and universities all engaged actively. Industry partners including JAZZ, OICCI and GSMA, as well as global players like Google and UNESCO, reviewed and helped refine the document. Their insights enhanced the policy's relevance and broadened its ambition.

As Chair, I witnessed first-hand how divergent voices can converge on a shared goal when the stakes are national. There were moments of debate — on how far to push AI regulation, how to ensure equity or how to align with international norms. But the spirit was........

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