Amid growing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence, Pakistan has issued a strong appeal at the United Nations for a comprehensive global framework to safeguard citizens from deepfakes and misinformation, demanding that developing nations be given an equitable role in shaping the future of AI governance.
Representing Pakistan at the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Senator Anusha Rehman articulated the need for AI systems to be safe, secure, and trustworthy, in full alignment with international human rights laws and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a statement released by the Senate Secretariat, Senator Rehman asserted that the UN initiative must function as a practical instrument to close knowledge and capacity divides for developing countries. She proposed this be achieved through customized policy advice, specialized training programs, and open-access resources.
The senator underscored the necessity of promoting fairness in AI innovation. This includes facilitating technology transfers, securing affordable access to infrastructure, and making quality datasets available to less developed nations to foster a level playing field.
To support these objectives, a proposal was tabled for the creation of a United Nations Artificial Intelligence Fund. This fund would aim to provide sustainable financing and bolster capacity-building efforts in countries that need it most.
Stressing the importance of inclusive representation, Senator Rehman insisted that developing countries must have a significant role in Dialogue platforms and associated panels. This participation is vital to guarantee that regional realities and diverse perspectives are incorporated into the final outcomes.
A critical point of her address was the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations-specifically children, youth, and the elderly. The senator called for robust measures to defend privacy, combat the spread of manipulated media, and tackle the challenges of bias and data misuse.
Outlining Pakistan’s domestic progress, she noted the country’s adoption of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025. This policy serves as a roadmap for inclusive growth, prioritizing investment in human capital, infrastructure enhancement, and establishing regulatory safeguards for personal data.
‘Artificial intelligence must become a driver of public good and shared prosperity,’ she affirmed, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with the UN and international partners to achieve responsible and equitable AI governance.