Call to promote transparent, inclusive AI system

LAHORE:In a concerted effort to promote the ethical and inclusive development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pakistan, Unesco organised a multi-stakeholder dialogue that gathered more than 25 experts and representatives from key sectors including relevant ministries, civil society, academia, and media.

According to a press release, the dialogue was in relation to global commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2025, highlighting the critical intersection of AI, media freedom and journalist freedom. Participants engaged in interactive discussions around the five strategic pillars of Pakistan’s draft national AI policy. They identified practical policy gaps and collectively proposed a set of preliminary policy recommendations. These discussions emphasised the necessity for AI systems in Pakistan to be transparent, inclusive, and particularly sensitive to the rights of vulnerable communities. Stakeholders further called for enhanced inter-sectoral coordination and stronger institutional capacity to ensure policy coherence and effective implementation. During the dialogue, Afke Bootsman, the Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Pakistan, emphasised the importance of ensuring that the transformative potential of AI is guided by the principles of inclusion, equity, and human rights. She highlighted that the UN reflects a strong commitment to leaving no one behind in the digital era.

This initiative came at a critical moment in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey,” explained Dr Aneel Salman, a renowned policy and governance expert. He further stated, “A well-crafted policy is essential to harness the transformative power of AI for inclusive growth, safeguard democratic values, and build lasting trust in institutions.”