ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar departed for Shanghai, China, on Thursday to undertake a two-day official visit. The primary objective of the high-level delegation is to attend the formal signing ceremony for the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

Pakistan Joins WAICO as Founding Member

As Pakistan officially joins the WAICO as a founding member, the Deputy Prime Minister will execute the foundational agreement on behalf of the nation. This commitment underscores Pakistan’s evolving focus on international technological partnerships, similar to efforts seen in other sectors, such as Ambassador Khalil Hashmi’s recent review of Pakistan-China economic ties. Furthermore, Senator Dar is scheduled to participate in the prestigious opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and will attend the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.

Diplomatic Engagements and Bilateral Talks

On the sidelines of the conference, Senator Dar is set to hold a critical bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These discussions are expected to build upon recent diplomatic exchanges, maintaining the momentum of cooperation often reflected in broader strategic dialogues like those conducted by the Army Chief General Asim Munir to strengthen Pakistan-Turkiye strategic defense ties. The visit will also involve meetings with other international counterparts to address matters of mutual regional and economic interest.

Global AI Governance and Sustainable Development

During his engagements, Deputy Prime Minister Dar will articulate Pakistan’s perspective on the necessity of bolstering international cooperation in artificial intelligence. His focus will remain steadfast on the priorities and development requirements of the Global South. He is expected to emphasize the importance of bridging the global AI divide, promoting equitable access to emerging technologies, and enhancing capacity-building initiatives. Senator Dar will advocate for a framework that ensures the benefits of artificial intelligence contribute to sustainable development and shared global prosperity, bridging gaps in digital infrastructure comparable to recent advancements in domestic connectivity, such as when the Pakistan Airports Authority launched 5G connectivity at Islamabad International Airport.