Ahsan Iqbal proposes SCO network for digital governance and AI

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has proposed creating an SCO Digital Governance and AI Capacity-Building Network to strengthen cooperation among member countries in digital governance, artificial intelligence and technology.

 

He made the proposal while delivering a keynote address at the Thematic Forum on Digital Governance and Capacity Building during the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi, according to the Ministry of Planning.

 

Ahsan Iqbal said the next stage of digital transformation should go beyond simply moving government services online. He said governments need to redesign their systems around citizens, data sharing, connected systems and measurable results.

 

Pakistan proposed five key initiatives under the framework.

 

The first is an SCO Digital Governance Academy to train ministers, regulators, civil servants and local government officials in areas including AI governance, cybersecurity, data management and digital public services.

 

The second is an SCO Digital Public Infrastructure Exchange, aimed at sharing standards, experience and solutions covering digital identity, instant payments, e-procurement, taxation, healthcare, education and business registration.

 

Pakistan also proposed an SCO Fellowship for Digital Government and AI to create exchange and placement opportunities for young civil servants, researchers and technology professionals.

 

The fourth proposal is a Responsible AI and Data Governance Forum, which would focus on privacy, cybersecurity, ethical AI, algorithmic accountability and cross-border data cooperation.

 

The fifth initiative, an SCO Digital Inclusion and Innovation Facility, would support training, regulatory assistance and pilot projects for young people, women, underserved communities and institutions outside major technology centres.

 

Ahsan said cross-border digital cooperation could initially focus on trade and logistics, where greater integration could reduce transaction times and costs. He said cooperation could later expand into agriculture, climate, healthcare, research and industry.

 

He also called for clear performance targets for SCO initiatives, including the number of officials trained, interoperable systems developed, fellowships completed, joint projects launched and citizens receiving digital public services.

 

The minister described Pakistan as a link between China, Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and the Arabian Sea. He said CPEC 2.0 would complement physical connectivity with digital connectivity.

 

Ahsan highlighted Pakistan’s AI and digital skills initiatives, saying the country aims to develop one million AI-skilled non-IT professionals by 2030. He added that seven AI hubs are being established under the National AI Advancement Initiative, with plans to provide 20,000 training opportunities for graduates, teachers, government officials and industry professionals.

 

He also said the DigiSkills programme has recorded more than 4.5 million enrolments.

 

Ahsan stressed that successful digital transformation depends not only on technology but also on skilled people, strong institutions, funding and public trust.

 

He said Pakistan was ready to work with China and other SCO members to turn the proposed initiatives into practical cooperation and measurable outcomes.