By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD -  Pakistan has formally signed the founding agreement of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), becoming one of its founding members during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar's two-day visit to Shanghai, China.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, Dar signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan on Friday alongside representatives from 29 countries, marking the launch of a new international platform aimed at promoting cooperation in artificial intelligence, capacity building, and narrowing the global digital divide.

The signing ceremony was preceded by a banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping for the visiting delegations.

During the visit, Dar also attended the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, inaugurated by President Xi, where leaders and officials discussed global collaboration on emerging technologies.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dar held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, reaffirming the two countries' commitment to strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and advanced technologies.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Dar stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, saying technological progress should contribute to sustainable development and support the socio-economic advancement of developing countries.

The two ministers also reviewed broader Pakistan-China relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Dar additionally met several foreign ministers and senior officials attending the conference to discuss bilateral ties and multilateral cooperation.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the visit is expected to deepen cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and emerging technologies while contributing to broader international collaboration through WAICO.

China has been expanding its role in global AI governance by promoting multilateral cooperation on standards, research, and technological development. Pakistan has identified digital transformation and artificial intelligence as key components of its economic modernization agenda, with Beijing remaining one of its closest strategic and technology partners.

Dar concluded his visit on Friday and departed Shanghai for Islamabad after attending the inaugural activities of WAICO and completing his bilateral engagements. Officials from the Shanghai Municipal Government, along with representatives of Pakistan's embassy in Beijing and its consulate in Shanghai, saw him off at the airport