Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has proposed an SCO Digital Governance and AI capacity-building network to strengthen cooperation among member states. The proposal was presented at the Thematic Forum on Digital Governance and Capacity Building during the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi.
The proposed network would connect governments, civil-service academies, universities, research institutions, national technology centres and private-sector innovators. The objective is to help member states share knowledge, develop digital skills and build more effective systems for delivering public services.
From Digitisation to Digital Governance
Speaking at the forum, Ahsan Iqbal said the next stage of technological transformation should go beyond simply putting existing government procedures online.
He explained that digitisation mainly transfers traditional processes to digital platforms, while digital governance involves redesigning government services around citizens, data, interoperability and measurable outcomes.
According to the minister, governments should move away from department-centred administration toward citizen-centred services. He also called for a transition from isolated databases to interoperable digital public infrastructure and from reactive administration to data-driven decision-making.
Iqbal stressed that technology alone cannot transform government institutions. Skilled professionals, capable organisations, sufficient financial resources and responsible data governance are also necessary for successful transformation.
Pakistan’s Digital Transformation
The minister highlighted several initiatives that Pakistan has undertaken as part of its digital development agenda. He said digital transformation is incorporated into Uraan Pakistan through its E-Pakistan pillar and is also connected with the Growth, Innovation, Green Development, Livelihood and Openness Corridors under CPEC 2.0.
Iqbal also pointed to the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, which established the National Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority. These institutions provide formal structures for managing and supporting the country’s digital transformation.
The Digital Economy Enhancement Project is also working to strengthen Pakistan’s digital public infrastructure and improve the government’s ability to provide integrated and accessible services.
Pakistan’s Growing AI Focus
A major part of the minister’s speech focused on artificial intelligence. He said Pakistan was moving from AI awareness toward adoption and ultimately toward generating measurable economic and social benefits.
Pakistan’s National AI Task Force brings together representatives from government, academia, industry and technology sectors across 12 thematic areas. The National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, operating through nine laboratories at six leading universities, has reportedly developed more than 220 AI products and designs for different sectors.
The country has also set a target of developing one million AI-skilled non-IT professionals by 2030.
Under the National AI Advancement Initiative, seven AI hubs are being established. These hubs are expected to provide 20,000 training opportunities for graduates, teachers, government officials and industry professionals.
Meanwhile, the DigiSkills programme has recorded more than 4.5 million enrolments, highlighting the government’s focus on expanding digital skills beyond traditional technology professionals.
Five Proposed SCO Initiatives
Iqbal presented five proposals as part of Pakistan’s framework for SCO Digital Governance cooperation.
The first is an SCO Digital Governance Academy, which would train ministers, regulators, civil servants and municipal leaders in areas such as digital transformation, AI governance, cybersecurity, data management and citizen-focused services.
The second is an SCO Digital Public Infrastructure Exchange. It would allow member states to share experience, standards and adaptable solutions involving digital identity, instant payments, taxation, electronic procurement, healthcare, education and business registration.
The third proposal is an SCO Fellowship for Digital Government and AI, designed to facilitate exchanges and placements for young civil servants, researchers and technology professionals.
The fourth is a Responsible AI and Data Governance Forum, focusing on privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic accountability, ethical AI and carefully managed cross-border data flows.
The fifth initiative is an SCO Digital Inclusion and Innovation Facility, which would support pilot projects, regulatory assistance and capacity building for young people, women, underserved communities and institutions outside major technology centres.
Starting With Trade and Logistics
Iqbal suggested that cross-border digital cooperation should begin with practical pilot projects rather than broad declarations.
He proposed starting with trade and logistics, where greater digital integration could potentially reduce transaction times and costs while making cross-border processes more predictable.
If these initial projects prove successful, cooperation could later expand into agriculture, climate-related applications, healthcare, research and industrial technologies.
The minister also stressed the importance of measurable targets. These could include the number of officials trained, digital systems made interoperable, fellowships completed, joint projects launched and citizens gaining access to digital public services.
Turning Plans Into Results
The proposed SCO Digital Governance network reflects Pakistan’s effort to make digital transformation a practical area of regional cooperation. Rather than focusing only on technology, the framework places emphasis on skills, institutions, responsible AI and accessible public services.
Ahsan Iqbal said cooperation should move from declarations toward demonstrable outcomes. Pakistan, he reaffirmed, is ready to work with China and other SCO member states to turn the proposed initiatives into measurable cooperation, inclusive development and shared prosperity.
