SHANGHAI (NSN) — Pakistan has taken a significant step toward strengthening its role in global artificial intelligence (AI) governance as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar arrived in Shanghai on a two-day official visit from 16–17 July 2026 to participate in the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) and attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).

The visit marks a milestone in Pakistan-China strategic cooperation in emerging technologies, with Pakistan joining the new international AI organization as a founding member. The move reflects Islamabad’s growing commitment to digital transformation, technological innovation, and multilateral cooperation in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Upon his arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the Deputy Prime Minister was warmly received by Wu Wei, Member of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and Vice Mayor of Shanghai, alongside Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in China Aizaz Khan and Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai Shahzad Ahmad Khan.

Pakistan to Sign Founding Agreement of WAICO

During the visit, Senator Ishaq Dar will represent Pakistan at the signing ceremony of the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

By signing the agreement, Pakistan will formally become one of the founding members of the new multilateral institution, which aims to strengthen international cooperation in artificial intelligence, promote responsible AI governance, facilitate knowledge sharing, and support capacity building among participating countries.

The establishment of WAICO comes at a time when artificial intelligence is transforming global economies, industries, education, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and public administration. Governments worldwide are increasingly seeking international frameworks that encourage innovation while addressing ethical, legal, and security challenges associated with AI technologies.

Pakistan’s participation as a founding member signals its intention to actively contribute to the emerging global architecture of AI governance and benefit from international collaboration in one of the world’s fastest-growing technological sectors.

Participation in World AI Conference 2026

The Deputy Prime Minister will also attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) on 17 July.

Held annually in Shanghai, the conference has become one of the world’s leading forums on artificial intelligence, bringing together heads of state, policymakers, technology executives, researchers, entrepreneurs, academics, and international organizations to discuss AI innovation, industrial applications, governance, ethics, and international cooperation.

This year’s conference carries particular significance with the launch of WAICO and China’s broader vision of promoting inclusive global AI governance under the theme “Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future.”

The conference is expected to feature discussions on generative AI, robotics, intelligent manufacturing, digital economies, AI regulation, smart cities, climate technologies, healthcare innovation, cybersecurity, and international standards for responsible AI development.

Bilateral Engagements

In addition to participating in multilateral events, Senator Ishaq Dar is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and senior Chinese officials.

The discussions are expected to cover a broad range of issues, including Pakistan-China strategic cooperation, technological partnerships, digital connectivity, investment in emerging industries, innovation ecosystems, and collaboration in artificial intelligence research and development.

The visit builds upon the long-standing All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China, which has expanded beyond infrastructure and energy cooperation to include science, technology, digital economy, education, and innovation.

Officials believe that enhanced cooperation in artificial intelligence can create new opportunities for Pakistan’s technology sector, higher education institutions, startups, and digital workforce.

Background: What is the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO)?

The World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) is a newly established international organization designed to promote cooperation among countries in the development, governance, and application of artificial intelligence.

The organization seeks to create an inclusive framework through which member states can collaborate on AI policy, research, technical standards, ethical guidelines, innovation, and capacity building.

Its primary objectives include:

• Promoting responsible and trustworthy AI development.
• Strengthening international cooperation on AI governance.
• Encouraging technology sharing and knowledge exchange.
• Supporting developing countries in building AI capabilities.
• Facilitating research partnerships and innovation.
• Developing common principles for AI ethics and regulation.
• Promoting inclusive AI development that benefits all nations.

Unlike traditional technology partnerships focused primarily on commercial interests, WAICO places strong emphasis on multilateral cooperation and ensuring that developing countries have access to AI knowledge, expertise, and opportunities.

The organization is expected to become an important platform for addressing shared global challenges related to artificial intelligence while promoting international dialogue on emerging technologies.

China’s Expanding Vision for Global AI Governance

The establishment of WAICO forms part of China’s broader strategy to promote international cooperation in artificial intelligence.

Over the past several years, China has increasingly advocated the concept of “AI for Good,” emphasizing that AI should serve humanity through inclusive development, equitable access to technology, and responsible governance.

At the 2026 World AI Conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening global AI cooperation. These include providing 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over the next five years, establishing international AI cooperation centers with regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), ASEAN, BRICS, the African Union, and the League of Arab States, and expanding AI applications in climate resilience and disaster management.

China has also called for reducing the global digital divide by ensuring that developing countries are not left behind in the rapidly evolving AI economy. Through initiatives such as WAICO, Beijing hopes to create a more balanced international AI ecosystem that promotes innovation while addressing concerns related to security, ethics, transparency, and equitable access.

Significance for Pakistan

Pakistan’s decision to join WAICO as a founding member represents an important step in its national digital transformation agenda.

Artificial intelligence has been identified as a strategic technology with the potential to transform Pakistan’s economy by improving productivity, enhancing public services, modernizing industries, and supporting innovation across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education, manufacturing, financial services, and governance.

Participation in WAICO is expected to provide Pakistan with opportunities to:

• Expand AI research collaboration with international partners.
• Develop technical expertise through training and knowledge exchange.
• Strengthen AI governance and regulatory capacity.
• Promote innovation and technology transfer.
• Support startups and entrepreneurship in AI-related industries.
• Enhance cooperation between universities, research institutions, and technology companies.

For Pakistan, engagement in global AI initiatives also aligns with broader efforts to develop a knowledge-based economy and prepare its workforce for the opportunities and challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Looking Ahead

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar’s visit to Shanghai represents more than a diplomatic engagement—it marks Pakistan’s entry into a new phase of international cooperation in artificial intelligence.

As a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, Pakistan has positioned itself to participate in shaping the future of global AI governance while strengthening technological partnerships with China and other member countries.

The visit also reflects the expanding scope of Pakistan-China relations, which increasingly encompass innovation, digital transformation, advanced technologies, and knowledge sharing alongside traditional areas of cooperation.

With artificial intelligence rapidly reshaping economies and societies worldwide, Pakistan’s participation in WAICO offers new opportunities to enhance national capabilities, develop skilled human resources, and contribute to international efforts aimed at ensuring that AI remains a force for sustainable development, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity. As the world enters a new era of intelligent technologies, Islamabad’s engagement in global AI governance is expected to support its long-term vision of building a competitive digital economy while strengthening its role in international technology diplomacy.