Can Pakistan Effectively Regulate Crypto and AI?
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has sought a detailed briefing from the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MOITT) on the establishment of a special council to regulate cryptocurrencies and the recently launched indigenous generative AI tool ‘Zhahanat AI’.
According to a notice issued by the Senate Secretariat, the next meeting of the committee will be held in Islamabad on May 7, 2025.
The main points on the agenda include the alleged launch of ‘Zhahanat AI’, which was announced by the IT Minister, but later denied by the CEO of the National Information Technology Board (NITB).
The committee will seek clarification on the matter and review the transparency in the role of the ministry, announcements and technology-related developments.
The committee, headed by Senator Palwasha Muhammadzai Khan, will consider several important issues in the context of Pakistan’s rapidly changing digital landscape.
A key component of the agenda is the ‘Artificial Intelligence Regulation Bill 2024’, introduced by Senator Dr. Afnanullah Khan.
The bill, which was first introduced in the Senate in September 2023, will provide an ethical and legal framework for the development and application of AI in the country.
The meeting has also summoned officials from the Ministry of IT and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for a briefing on the renewal of LDI (Long Distance International) and FLL (Fixed Line Local) licenses.
The committee will also review the progress of the implementation of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 after its approval.
While also receiving updates on Pakistan’s participation in the Digital Development Investment Forum (DDIF), especially international opportunities and cooperation for local software companies.
