URUMQI: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has proposed an SCO Digital Governance and AI Capacity-Building Network.
The proposed network would connect governments, civil service academies, universities and research institutions across Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states.
It would also bring together national technology centres and private-sector innovators.
Speaking at the 2026 SCO Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, Iqbal said the next stage of transformation was digital governance.
He said digitisation puts existing government processes online. However, digital governance redesigns government around citizens, data, interoperability and outcomes.
“A paper-based bureaucracy cannot simply be transferred to a computer screen and called transformation,” he said.
Pakistan Expands Digital Transformation
Iqbal said technology alone could not transform a state.
He said successful digital transformation required skilled people, capable institutions and adequate financial resources.
It also required governance systems that support the secure and responsible use of data and emerging technologies.
The minister said digital transformation was part of Pakistan’s national development agenda, Uraan Pakistan.
He said the E-Pakistan pillar also aligned with the Growth, Innovation, Green Development, Livelihood and Openness Corridors of CPEC 2.0.
Iqbal said the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 had established the National Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority.
He said the Digital Economy Enhancement Project was also strengthening Pakistan’s digital public infrastructure.
The project aims to improve the government’s ability to provide integrated and citizen-centred public services.
Pakistan Moves Towards AI Adoption
The minister said Pakistan was moving from AI awareness to adoption.
He added that the country was now focusing on achieving measurable economic and social benefits from artificial intelligence.
Iqbal said the National AI Task Force brought together government, academia, industry and technology experts.
The task force is working across 12 thematic areas.
He said the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence operates nine laboratories across six leading universities.
The centre has developed more than 220 AI products and designs for different sectors.
Pakistan has also set a target of developing one million AI-skilled non-IT professionals by 2030.
Seven AI hubs are being established under the National AI Advancement Initiative.
These hubs will provide 20,000 training opportunities for graduates, teachers, public officials and industry professionals.
Meanwhile, the DigiSkills programme has recorded more than 4.5 million enrolments.
Five Proposals for SCO Cooperation
Iqbal presented five proposals for digital cooperation among SCO member states.
The first proposal is an SCO Digital Governance Academy.
The academy would train ministers, regulators, civil servants and municipal leaders in digital transformation, AI governance and cybersecurity.
It would also cover data management and citizen-focused service delivery.
The second proposal is an SCO Digital Public Infrastructure Exchange.
The platform would allow member states to share standards, experience and adaptable digital solutions.
These areas would include digital identity, instant payments, electronic procurement, taxation, health, education and business registration.
The third proposal is an SCO Fellowship for Digital Government and AI.
It would facilitate placements and exchanges among young civil servants, researchers and technology experts.
The fourth proposal is a Responsible AI and Data Governance Forum.
It would promote cooperation on privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic accountability and ethical AI.
The forum would also address carefully governed cross-border data flows.
The fifth proposal is an SCO Digital Inclusion and Innovation Facility.
It would support capacity building, regulatory assistance and pilot projects for young people, women and underserved communities.
Focus on Cross-Border Digital Cooperation
Iqbal proposed starting cross-border data cooperation through practical pilot projects.
He identified trade and logistics as possible starting points.
He said digital integration could reduce transaction times and costs while improving predictability.
According to the minister, cooperation could later expand into agriculture, climate, health, research and industrial applications.
He said institutional trust would be important for expanding such cooperation.
Iqbal Calls for Measurable Results
The minister stressed that SCO initiatives should include measurable targets.
These should cover the number of officials trained, interoperable systems and completed fellowships.
They should also measure joint projects and the number of citizens gaining access to digital public services.
“Our cooperation must move from declarations to demonstrable outcomes,” Iqbal said.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan was ready to work with China and other SCO member states.
The minister said Pakistan would seek to turn the shared vision into measurable cooperation, inclusive development and shared prosperity.
