News Detail
Event Title: Senator Manzoor Ahmad Kakar Addressing at UK Forum on Cultural Diplomacy in London.
Event Date: 2026-01-14
Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, while addressing the UK Forum on Cultural Diplomacy in London, stated that artificial intelligence and digital assets are shaping a new chapter of policy, public trust, and development in Pakistan.
In his address, Senator Kakar said that artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming governance, the economy, and the delivery of public services. However, regulating rapidly emerging technologies without undermining innovation has become a major global challenge.
He said that Pakistan has adopted a clear framework for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence through its National Artificial Intelligence Policy. Data protection, human oversight, and transparency are the core pillars of this policy, which is aligned with global values and European regulatory models.
The Senator informed that the use of artificial intelligence is expanding in Pakistan across health, agriculture, education, and public administration, contributing to improved efficiency and service delivery.
Speaking on digital assets, he said that they offer new opportunities for innovation and financial inclusion, while also posing regulatory and governance-related challenges. He stated that Pakistan has adopted a cautious, balanced, and forward-looking approach towards digital assets.
He highlighted the establishment of the Pakistan Crypto Council and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority as important developments and said that institutional capacity is being enhanced to ensure effective governance of digital assets.
The Senator emphasized the need for strict regulatory measures to counter money laundering and illicit financial transactions and reaffirmed that alignment with international obligations and global standards remains a priority for Pakistan. He added that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act provides a strong legal framework against cybercrime, while laws and regulatory mechanisms are being continuously updated in line with evolving technologies.
Senator Kakar said that progress, globally, is underway towards structured governance of artificial intelligence and digital assets, with governance, risk management, and public trust emerging as central elements of digital policy. He stressed that digital development is not possible without public trust, which is being strengthened through transparent governance and responsible regulation.
He noted that artificial intelligence and digital assets are global as well as crucial in nature and require international cooperation and wider dialogue. He added that cultural diplomacy and policy dialogue are playing a key role in shaping the digital future.
Concluding his address, Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar stated that Pakistan supports innovation, welcomes technology, and seeks a responsible digital future. He said that Pakistan’s ultimate goal is to establish a comprehensive, stable, and trustworthy digital system and that the country will continue cooperation with global partners to promote effective digital governance.