ISLAMABAD (GNP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed Islamabad on Thursday for a two-day visit to Shanghai, China, where he is expected to sign an agreement for Pakistan to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) as a founding member.
The Foreign Office said Dar will also participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 during the visit and engage with other leaders to advance international AI cooperation and promote inclusive, equitable AI governance. An earlier Foreign Office statement said Dar would additionally hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart and meet with other officials to discuss matters of mutual interest during the trip.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar will share Pakistan’s perspective on strengthening international cooperation in artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on the priorities and development needs of the Global South. He is also expected to underscore the importance of bridging the global AI divide, promoting equitable access to AI technologies, enhancing capacity-building, and ensuring that the benefits of AI contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity for all.
China proposed the creation of WAICO last year as part of its push for AI governance. Opening WAIC in Shanghai last July, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasised the need for governance and open-source development while announcing the establishment of the China-led body for international AI cooperation.
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Pakistan’s participation builds on commitments made during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day visit to China in May this year, when Islamabad expressed support for the WAICO initiative, describing it as a concrete step toward promoting the development of artificial intelligence for good and for all. Pakistan also pledged at that time to work with Beijing to advance global governance and international cooperation on AI.
Dar’s visit coincides with the broader WAIC 2026 proceedings in Shanghai, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to address the conference on Friday. The gathering is also expected to see progress announced on WAICO and on implementing the Global AI Governance Initiative, alongside a High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance being held in Shanghai during the same period.
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
