Islamabad – To promote the ethical and comprehensive development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Pakistan, UNESCO has organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue that brings together more than 25 experts and representatives from key sectors, including relevant government ministries, civil society, academia and the media.
The dialogue highlights the important connections between AI, media freedom and journalist rights, and focuses on the global commemoration of World Reporters’ Freedom Day 2025.
Pakistan’s national policy draft revolves around five strategic pillars: AI innovation ecosystem, recognition and preparation, safe AI ecosystem, transformation and evolution, and international cooperation and cooperation. This UNESCO-led, multi-stakeholder dialogue has leveraged emerging technologies to concentrate the pillars of a secure AI ecosystem and promote a safe, transparent, and accountable AI ecosystem, ensuring ethical integrity, inclusiveness, and protection of digital rights for all. It also highlighted the need for a human-centered, rights-based approach to AI development, which is at the heart of UNESCO’s global recommendations on artificial intelligence ethics adopted in 2021.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions on five strategic pillars of Pakistan’s National AI Policy Draft. They identified practical policy gaps and collectively proposed a set of preliminary policy recommendations. These discussions highlighted the need for Pakistan’s AI systems to be transparent, inclusive and sensitive to the rights of particularly vulnerable communities. Stakeholders also called for greater intersectoral coordination and institutional capacity to ensure policy consistency and effective implementation.
During the dialogue, AFKE BOOTSMAN, head of the United Nations Residential Coordinators office in Pakistan, stressed the importance of ensuring that the potential for AI transformation is guided by principles of inclusion, equity and human rights. She further emphasized that the UN reflects its strong commitment to leaving no one in the digital age.
This initiative has come at a critical moment in Pakistan’s journey of digital transformation,” further explained Dr. Aneel Salman, a well-known policy and governance expert. He further stated, “Well-crafted policies are essential to leverage AI’s transformational power to protect inclusive growth, democratic values, and build enduring trust in facilities.”
Anthony Kar Hang Tam, officer at Pakistan’s UNESCO office, has repeatedly provided UNESCO’s long-term support. the goal. ”
UNESCO’s support underscores the importance of international ethical standards in guiding Pakistan’s digital transformation. This confirms the value of a multi-stakeholder approach to building a resilient, rights-providing AI ecosystem.
Hamza Khan Swati, National Professional Officials, Communications and Information Mr., Hamza Khan Swati, from Pakistan’s UNESCO office, tied the dialogue to the theme of this year’s World Reporter Freedom Day, highlighting the way AI empowers and puts the media freedom at risk.
The outcome of the dialogue will address ongoing consultations over the five strategic pillars of the draft national policy. Preliminary policy recommendations serve as the basis for improving the draft policy and guiding implementation strategies that are consistent with Pakistan’s broader digital governance goals.
