Shanghai, July 16,2026: Pakistan on Thursday formally became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the organization’s founding agreement in Shanghai, China.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) on behalf of Pakistan during a signing ceremony held in Shanghai.
By joining WAICO as a founding member, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on advancing the interests and priorities of the Global South.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan looks forward to working closely with fellow WAICO member states to help bridge the global artificial intelligence divide and promote equitable access to AI technologies for sustainable and inclusive development.
The ministry added that Pakistan views international collaboration in artificial intelligence as essential to harnessing emerging technologies for economic growth, innovation and shared prosperity.
Dar is currently in Shanghai on a two-day official visit, during which he is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and hold bilateral meetings with counterparts on the sidelines of the event.
