Issue Brief on “Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025: Developing AI Ecosystem and Ethical Data...

On July 30, 2025, the federal cabinet unanimously approved the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025, aimed at creating an AI ecosystem in Pakistan. The policy envisions responsible and ethical use of AI to address local challenges and ensure inclusive national growth and prosperity.[1] This policy is considered a timely action to modernise Pakistan's economy and enhance productivity across the country's socio-economic spectrum. It constitutes six pillars that aim to transform Pakistan's economy into a knowledge-based economy. The policy distinguishes Pakistan from the AI policies of other South Asian countries in terms of character, scope, and structure.[2] The policy is tightly intertwined with the existing national digital framework and depicts Pakistan's resolve for digital transformation.[3] Artificial Intelligence has a unique potential to transform the socio-economic dynamics of Pakistan in years. The main focus of the policy is to utilize AI within the boundaries of ethics, human rights, and transparency. This discussion also brings our attention to the dual-use of AI and its drastic implications. Pakistan has been an advocate of AI regulation at the global level and has raised its voice at different international fora, as unregulated militarization of AI can have serious security concerns for regional and international peace.

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