Pakistan has introduced pending legislation on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Companies subject to the laws of Pakistan should be familiar with all relevant AI-related laws, regulations, and guidance, including those listed below.
Laws and Regulations
This amendment updates Pakistan’s 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and is tech-neutral—it does not name AI, but its offenses apply to AI-generated/manipulated content if the elements are met. It establishes the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) to register/monitor platforms and issue directions, including orders to remove or block unlawful content. It also introduces a new offense for intentionally disseminating “false or fake” information via an information system that is likely to cause fear, panic, disorder or unrest, punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine up to PKR 2,000,000.
Draft Laws and Regulations
The Bill would create an AI Commission, define regulated AI activities, and impose penalties/fines for violations.
Principles, Studies, & Recommendations
It sets ecosystem goals (skills, compute, R&D) and high‑level responsible‑AI principles; implementation will still require statutory or regulatory instruments.