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On July 30, 2025, Pakistan’s federal cabinet gave its approval to the nation’s inaugural National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025, which is being celebrated as a significant step in digital advancement. The initiative seeks to develop a resilient AI environment, promote fair access to technology, and establish Pakistan as a key player in the global digital market. The policy outlines ambitious targets: 1,000 locally developed AI products, 50,000 community projects, 3,000 annual scholarships, and one million trained AI professionals, with an expectation of increasing GDP by 7-12% by 2030 and generating 3.5 million employment opportunities.

The goal is commendable, but the shortcomings in implementation are evident. Pakistan has faced challenges for almost ten years in passing a thorough data protection law. In the absence of such laws, promises regarding ethical AI, consent, fairness, and responsibility are empty. Draft proposals since 2017 have not been approved, resulting in governance that is scattered across different sectors and governed by the outdated PECA 2016. For ‘responsible AI’ to go beyond words, Pakistan requires a robust personal data protection act, along with an independent authority, requirements for reporting breaches, and mandatory Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk systems.

Equally concerning are the economic pledges. The anticipated GDP increases and multi-billion-dollar market potential are not supported by clear economic analysis. The policy fails to detail how subsidies, training, or innovation grants will effectively lead to improved productivity, exports, or service expansion. Bold goals—like training a million AI experts—are disconnected from real-world conditions. Pakistan’s universities struggle with a lack of faculty, poorly funded laboratories, and limited computational resources. Without substantial investment in research capabilities and high-performance computing, achieving such numbers may result in graduates possessing only basic knowledge instead of true expertise. Infrastructure challenges remain significant. Developing large-scale AI models demands consistent electricity and fast internet—resources that Pakistan currently cannot ensure. Ongoing power outages and unreliable broadband make the vision of local large language models and AI centers seem more like a distant dream than a feasible goal.

Institutionally, the policy relies on an AI Council and an Action Matrix. However, the council does not have legal authority; it cannot regulate, review, or ensure adherence. Essential protections are missing, such as rules for conflicts of interest, audit guidelines for algorithmic fairness, procedures for reporting incidents, and clear solutions for individuals affected by automated decisions. Without enforceable powers, the council may end up being a symbolic platform for coordination instead of an entity responsible for accountability. The policy does demonstrate political commitment and outlines a path for innovation, training, and investment. It generates momentum for AI adoption across different areas and highlights the importance of developing local capabilities. Nevertheless, without being supported by binding legislation, regulatory supervision, and infrastructure progress, it risks being more like political spectacle than a meaningful policy.

The future of artificial intelligence in Pakistan hinges not on impressive statistics, but on solid groundwork: enacting a robust data protection law, supporting AI research and access to computing resources, developing reliable infrastructure, and creating independent supervision. Only through these steps can AI become a true catalyst for economic development and social fairness, rather than an unstable aspiration based on weak regulatory foundations.

Aimaa Hassan is a law student at the University of London (Pakistan College of Law) who has a deep passion for technology law, digital rights, and public policy. Her articles have appeared on platforms such as LEAP, where she explores topics including artificial intelligence, data protection, gender-related matters, and governance. After gaining experience through internships with prominent legal organizations, she is currently concentrating her research and writing on how Pakistan can establish effective and rights-focused strategies for emerging technologies like AI.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).