Pakistan Takes a Major Step into the Global Artificial Intelligence Arena

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Pakistan has officially entered the global artificial intelligence (AI) community with the inauguration of the Pakistan Chapter of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), an organization established in 1979. The launch event took place at the Pearl Continental Hotel and was attended by more than 200 influential leaders from academia, business, and technology sectors.

Muhammad Tahir, the newly appointed Chair of AAAI Pakistan, led the event by outlining the chapter’s mission and the benefits it brings. “This is not just a chapter,” Tahir stated. “It marks Pakistan’s formal integration into the worldwide AI ecosystem.” Through this affiliation, Pakistani researchers and entrepreneurs will gain access to a wealth of resources, including more than 15,000 international AI research papers, collaborative opportunities with global universities, funding avenues for startups, international hackathons, and even the chance to host the AAAI Regional Conference within Pakistan.

The launch was supported by prominent technology figures such as Dr. Yasar Ayaz, Chairman of the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) and head of Pakistan’s national AI Task Force. He described the event as a “game-changing moment” for the country’s technology sector, highlighting the potential for accelerated academic and economic growth.

The event also featured an AI-generated video presentation honoring early AI pioneers, symbolizing Pakistan’s entry into the global AI dialogue. Jibran Jamshad, Regional Director at Microsoft, underscored AAAI’s vital role in global AI advancements, including breakthroughs like ChatGPT. “Without AAAI, the AI revolution we see today wouldn’t exist,” he said. “This chapter will allow Pakistani talent to contribute to and shape the global AI narrative.”

Pakistan’s official AAAI website, www.aaai.pk, is scheduled to launch on August 14, 2025. It will provide membership options, research access, and updates to the AI community. With participation from military officials, academic leaders, and corporate sponsors, this initiative sets the stage for Pakistan to leverage AI innovation as a driver of economic growth, with organizers estimating potential contributions exceeding $200 million through international research and startup collaboration.

This development signals a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s technology landscape, aligning the country with international AI progress while fostering homegrown innovation and global partnerships.