Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Shanghai on Thursday for a two-day visit to attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and formalise Pakistan’s participation in a new international artificial intelligence body.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), Pakistan will join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member during the visit.
The FO said Dar will sign the agreement on Pakistan’s accession to WAICO, marking the country’s entry into the newly established global AI organisation.
During his visit, the deputy prime minister will also participate in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, where he is expected to engage with international leaders on advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and promoting inclusive and equitable AI governance.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening international collaboration on emerging technologies and contributing to the development of responsible AI frameworks.