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
The Act establishes the Pakistan Digital Authority and National Digital Commission to oversee Pakistan’s digital transformation. Among other powers, the Pakistan Digital Authority may conduct oversight, set standards, enforce compliance and establish frameworks and processes relating to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies in areas assigned by the National Digital Commission.
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.
Principles, Studies, & Recommendations
The Policy establishes Pakistan’s national framework for AI development and adoption, addressing areas including skills, infrastructure and computing resources, research and innovation, industry adoption and responsible AI. It also establishes an implementation framework led by an AI Council and a Policy Implementation Cell within the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
The Declaration sets out Pakistan’s national approach to sovereign and responsible AI. It establishes nine foundational principles intended to guide AI adoption, governance and deployment, including trusted governance, human accountability, sovereign AI infrastructure, inclusive innovation and the use of AI to deliver measurable public value.
Responsible Government Organizations
Pakistan's national body for digital governance and AI regulation, and its statutory mandate under Section 8 of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act expressly encompasses AI oversight, standards and compliance.
MoITT remains the lead federal ministry responsible for the National AI Policy and its implementation framework.