In a significant move at the United Nations’ inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Pakistan has called for the creation of a dedicated UN Artificial Intelligence Fund aimed at preventing a widening technology gap and ensuring developing nations are not left behind in the AI revolution.
Senator Anusha Rehman, representing Pakistan, articulated the nation’s position during the landmark event, urging the global community to adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach to artificial intelligence. According to a statement from the Senate Secretariat, she advocated for the Dialogue to evolve into a functional tool to close the knowledge and capacity divide for developing countries through tailored policy advice and accessible resources.
The senator stressed the necessity of a worldwide framework to guarantee that artificial intelligence systems operate in a safe, secure, and reliable manner. She emphasized that such governance must be consistent with international human rights laws and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A central theme of her address was the demand for equitable access to AI advancements. Rehman called for robust technology transfers, the provision of affordable infrastructure, and making high-quality datasets available to developing states, with the proposed UN fund serving as the financial backbone for these initiatives.
Rehman also issued a stark warning about the inherent risks associated with AI, including systemic bias, data exploitation, the proliferation of deepfakes, and widespread misinformation. She highlighted the critical importance of safeguarding privacy and individual liberties, with a special focus on vulnerable populations like children, young people, and senior citizens.
Detailing Pakistan’s domestic commitments, the senator pointed to the country’s adoption of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025. This policy serves as a strategic blueprint for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth by investing in human capital, enhancing digital infrastructure, and implementing stringent regulations to protect personal data.
Concluding her remarks, Senator Rehman affirmed that AI should be harnessed as a force for the “common public good and shared prosperity.” She reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to collaborating constructively with the United Nations and global partners to forge a path toward responsible and equitable AI governance.