Pakistan is in the early stages of developing its artificial intelligence capabilities and regulations. In 2021, the government announced plans for a national AI policy, with a draft finally released in May 2023. The policy focuses on AI investment, production and talent development, but makes no mention of responsible AI principles.
This comes alongside other digital initiatives like the "Digital Pakistan" vision launched in 2019, which aims to increase connectivity, digital skills, and e-government services. However, progress has been slow due to political instability in recent years.
Pakistan is working to establish data protection regulations, with the Personal Data Protection Bill approved by the cabinet in July 2023. The bill would create a national data protection authority and provide some rights regarding automated processing of personal data.
However, existing laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act grant government agencies broad access to citizens' private data. There are also concerns about surveillance practices, including use of counterterrorism systems for COVID-19 tracking, deployment of Chinese-made "Safe City" surveillance networks in major cities, and mandatory use of "Hotel Eye" software to collect data on hotel guests.
Freedom House rates Pakistan as only "Partly Free" in its latest report, citing military influence over policy and intimidation of media outlets. The country frequently blocks websites and prosecutes people for online activities.
Recent laws like the Official Secrets Amendment Act 2023 have raised alarms about restrictions on free speech and criticism of state institutions. There are also ongoing issues with discrimination against women and minorities.
While not a member of the OECD, Pakistan has endorsed the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI as a UNESCO member state. The country also signed the 2022 Riyadh AI Call for Action Declaration on AI ethics.
Pakistan has been a vocal opponent of lethal autonomous weapons systems in international forums, calling for a ban since 2013.
Pakistan's emerging AI strategy presents both opportunities and risks. While initiatives to boost the digital economy could drive development, there are significant concerns about surveillance, censorship, and protection of human rights.
Key challenges include establishing robust data protection and AI ethics frameworks, ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems, protecting freedom of expression and privacy rights, and addressing discrimination while promoting inclusive AI development.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/