Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, has put forward a proposal to establish an SCO Digital Governance and AI Capacity-Building Network. This initiative aims to link governments, civil-service academies, universities, national technology centers, research institutions, and private-sector innovators across member countries.

Delivering the keynote address at the Thematic Forum on Digital Governance and Capacity Building during the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, the minister emphasized that the future of transformation extends beyond mere digitization to encompass digital governance. He explained that while digitization moves existing government processes online, digital governance restructures government operations around citizens, data, interoperability, and outcomes.

Professor Iqbal noted that simply converting paper-based bureaucracy to digital formats does not constitute true transformation. Instead, governments must shift from department-focused to citizen-centered models, from isolated databases to interoperable digital public infrastructure, and from reactive administration to data-driven, intelligent governance.

He further highlighted that technology alone cannot drive state transformation. Effective digital progress requires skilled personnel, capable institutions, sufficient financial resources, and governance frameworks that ensure the secure and responsible use of data and emerging technologies.

Highlighting Pakistan’s advancements, he pointed out that digital transformation is a core element of the national development agenda, Uraan Pakistan, particularly through its E-Pakistan pillar. These priorities align with the Growth, Innovation, Green Development, Livelihood, and Openness Corridors of CPEC 2.0.

He also mentioned the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, which established the National Digital Commission and the Pakistan Digital Authority, thereby providing clear institutional leadership for the country’s digital transformation efforts. The Digital Economy Enhancement Project is enhancing Pakistan’s digital public infrastructure and government capacity to deliver integrated, accessible, and citizen-focused public services.

Professor Iqbal stated that Pakistan is progressing from AI awareness to adoption, and from adoption to achieving measurable economic and social impacts. The National AI Task Force, comprising government, academia, industry, and technology experts, operates across twelve thematic areas. The National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, with nine laboratories in six leading universities, has developed over 220 AI products and designs for various sectors.

Pakistan aims to train one million AI-skilled non-IT professionals by 2030. Under the National AI Advancement Initiative, seven AI hubs are being established to offer 20,000 training opportunities for graduates, teachers, public officials, and industry professionals. Meanwhile, the DigiSkills program has recorded more than 4.5 million enrollments.

“Digital capacity must extend beyond technology specialists,” Professor Iqbal stressed. “Ministers need digital leadership skills, civil servants must be proficient with data, regulators require system understanding, and entrepreneurs should have access to skills, mentors, finance, and markets.”

Outlining Pakistan’s proposed framework for SCO cooperation, the minister presented five key initiatives. He suggested starting cross-border data collaboration with measurable pilot projects in trade and logistics, where digital integration could reduce transaction times and costs while improving predictability. This cooperation could later expand into agriculture, climate, health, research, and industrial sectors as institutional trust grows.

He emphasized that SCO efforts should be guided by measurable goals, such as the number of officials trained, interoperable systems developed, fellowships completed, joint projects launched, and citizens accessing digital public services. “Our collaboration must move from declarations to tangible results,” he asserted.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment, Professor Iqbal expressed readiness to work with China and all SCO member states to transform this shared vision into practical cooperation, inclusive development, and mutual prosperity.