After Banning Crypto, Pakistan Even Launches Revolutionary Policy In The Field Of Artificial Intelligence

The Pakistan Ministry of IT & Telecommunications is drafting policies to encourage the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). (photo: dock.pexels)

JAKARTA - Just days after announcing that cryptocurrencies "will never be legalized" in their country, Pakistan's IT & Telecommunications Ministry is drafting a policy to promote the growth of artificial intelligence (AI).

With this AI national policy, Pakistan aims to become a knowledge-based economy by improving human resource skills in AI and other related technologies, among investments and other initiatives.

Draft National AI Policy (https://t.co/pZ516dmP8R)#MOITT believes in an inclusive approach for effective policy making. Please share your feedback through email ([email protected]) so that the policy draft is updated in the best interests of citizens of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/afbkyNuG11

— Ministry of IT & Telecom (@MoitOfficial) May 22, 2023

Draft National AI Policy (https://t.co/pZ516dmP8R)#MOITT believes in an inclusive approach for effective policy making. Please share your feedback through email ([email protected]) so that the policy draft is updated in the best interests of citizens of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/afbkyNuG11

This policy framework demonstrates Pakistan's readiness to integrate AI for public and national welfare. The country set 15 targets with a period of time ranging from 2023 to 2028. To support these initiatives, Pakistan intends to establish the AI National Fund by using "sources and underused funds" from the IT & Telecommunication Ministry.

Some of the intended use cases for AI in Pakistan include predicting weather, optimizing agricultural supply chains, and transforming health services, only a few examples.

The Pakistani government adopted an inclusive approach in building AI policies while remaining open to input from the general public until June 16.

The main reason for Pakistan's ban on cryptocurrencies is the requirement set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In return, the country remains listed outside the FATF gray list.

As Cointelegraph previously reported, although the FATF does not have the authority to impose sanctions on non-compliant countries, it is likely to affect government and corporate policies around the world.

By complying with the FATF, Pakistan has a higher chance of obtaining financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).