Pakistan signed the agreement on the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) at a signing ceremony that was held in Shanghai, China today.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment as a founding member of WAICO to advance international cooperation in the area of Artificial Intelligence, especially from the perspective of the Global South.
It further said that Pakistan looks forward to working closely with fellow WAICO member states in efforts to help bridge the global AI divide and to promote equitable access to AI to advance development for all.
As a founding member of WAICO, Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to advance international cooperation in the area of Artificial Intelligence, especially from the perspective of Global South. Pakistan looks forward to working closely with fellow WAICO member states in efforts to help bridge the global AI divide and to promote equitable access to AI to advance development for all.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, along with a delegation, has arrived in Shanghai for a two-day official visit to China.
During his visit, Dar attended the signing ceremony for the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) and sign the Agreement on behalf of Pakistan as a founding member.
He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference tomorrow and hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts.
Upon arrival at the airport, the Deputy Prime Minister was received by Member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and Vice Mayor of Shanghai Wu Wei, Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires to China Aizaz Khan and Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai Shahzad Ahmad Khan.
As Pakistan joins the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, Ishaq Dar will sign the agreement, participate in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference.
The deputy prime minister will also engage with leaders to advance international AI cooperation and promote inclusive, equitable AI governance.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dar will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi besides meeting with other counterparts to discuss matters of mutual interest.
During his engagements, Deputy Prime Minister Dar will share Pakistan’s perspective on strengthening international cooperation in artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on the priorities and development needs of the Global South.
He will underscore the importance of bridging the global AI divide, promoting equitable access to AI technologies, enhancing capacity-building, and ensuring that the benefits of AI contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity for all.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 has departed Islamabad for Shanghai, China, on a two-day visit.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 16, 2026
As Pakistan joins the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a Founding Member, the DPM/FM will sign the… pic.twitter.com/bUs8pTNW5j
Reporter Anwer Abbas