Pakistan becomes founding member of Global AI cooperation body

July 16, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is set to become a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar travelling to Shanghai, China on Thursday to attend the organization's signing ceremony during a two-day visit.

During the visit, Pakistan will formally join WAICO after Mohammad Ishaq Dar signs the founding agreement. He will also participate in the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, according to APP.

On the sidelines of the conference, Mohammad Ishaq Dar is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and meet other counterparts to discuss matters of mutual interest.

He will present Pakistan's perspective on strengthening international cooperation in artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on the priorities and development needs of the Global South.

The deputy prime minister will also emphasize the importance of bridging the global AI divide, promoting equitable access to AI technologies, enhancing capacity-building, and ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity for all.

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