Pakistan has become a founding member of a new international organization focused on artificial intelligence cooperation, as Islamabad seeks to expand its role in global AI governance and strengthen technology ties with China.
Pakistan has joined the newly established World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, marking a new step in the country’s efforts to participate in international discussions around artificial intelligence.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the agreement establishing the organization in Shanghai on July 16, 2026, on behalf of the Pakistani government. The signing took place alongside the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).
New Organization Focuses on Global AI Cooperation
WAICO has been established as an intergovernmental organization aimed at increasing international cooperation on artificial intelligence, with particular attention to developing countries.
According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the organization is intended to support AI development, innovation, applications and governance, while helping reduce the gap between countries with different levels of access to AI technology and expertise.
The organization is headquartered in Shanghai and is designed to remain open to additional countries.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Islamabad wants to work with other WAICO members to help bridge the global AI divide and promote wider access to AI technologies, particularly from the perspective of developing countries.
Pakistan Seeks Greater Role in AI Governance
Pakistan has been working to strengthen its domestic AI capabilities while also increasing its participation in international technology discussions.
The country adopted a national AI policy that includes plans for investment in AI infrastructure, skills development and regulatory mechanisms for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The government has also announced initiatives aimed at expanding AI training and developing the infrastructure needed to support AI applications across the economy.
Joining WAICO gives Pakistan another platform through which it can engage with other countries on issues such as AI governance, technology access, skills development and international cooperation.
Pakistan and China Deepen AI Cooperation
Pakistan’s entry into WAICO also coincides with renewed discussions between Islamabad and Beijing on artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
During the Shanghai visit, Ishaq Dar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss bilateral relations and technology cooperation.
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation under CPEC 2.0 into areas including trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence.
China has also expressed support for Pakistan’s participation in the new AI organization.
Wang Yi said Pakistan’s accession to WAICO would serve the country’s long-term interests and highlighted the importance of ensuring that developing countries can participate in and benefit from advances in artificial intelligence.
AI Emerging as a New Area of Pakistan-China Cooperation
Pakistan-China cooperation has traditionally focused heavily on infrastructure, energy and economic development through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
AI and digital technologies are increasingly becoming additional areas of cooperation.
The two countries have indicated interest in expanding collaboration in areas such as AI, digital services, science and technology, and the broader digital economy.
For Pakistan, greater cooperation with China could provide opportunities for access to technology, technical expertise, infrastructure and capacity-building programmes.
Focus on Developing Countries
A central theme behind WAICO is increasing participation by countries in the Global South.
The organization aims to support capacity-building and help countries develop their own capabilities in AI research, applications and governance.
For Pakistan, this aligns with its stated objective of expanding access to emerging technologies while developing a larger pool of AI professionals and technology entrepreneurs.
Pakistan’s Growing AI Ambitions
Pakistan’s membership in WAICO comes as the country seeks to build a larger AI ecosystem domestically.
The government has outlined plans covering AI education, infrastructure, research, startups and responsible AI regulation.
The country’s technology sector is also increasingly exploring AI applications across software development, financial services, education, healthcare and other industries.
Pakistan’s participation in WAICO could therefore provide an additional international platform for collaboration as it develops its domestic AI capabilities.
A New Chapter in Pakistan’s AI Strategy
With its founding membership in WAICO and expanding discussions with China, Pakistan is positioning AI as an increasingly important component of its technology and digital-economy strategy.
The effectiveness of the new organization will depend on how its member states translate cooperation into practical initiatives, including research partnerships, skills development, technology access and AI applications.
For Pakistan, membership provides another avenue to participate in the evolving global AI ecosystem while deepening its technology cooperation with China.
