UPDATE — AUGUST 2025: Pakistan’s proposed Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024, introduced by Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, has not yet passed into law. The bill remains under review by the Senate’s Standing Committee on IT, with lawmakers and industry stakeholders debating its heavy penalties (Rs 1.5–2.5 billion) and broad definitions. Reports suggest a revised draft is being prepared to narrow fines and clarify “critical sectors.” While the bill is pending, the government has begun drafting plans for a National AI Commission in Islamabad and piloting AI projects in healthcare and education. Pakistan is also signaling interest in aligning with global frameworks like the OECD AI Principles and the EU AI Act, aiming for a more development-friendly approach to AI regulation.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
Pakistan Senate Proposes AI Regulation Bill with Heavy Penalties
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Afnan Ullah Khan recently introduced the “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024“ in the Senate, aiming to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in the country. The bill seeks to mitigate the risks associated with AI and impose fines amounting to billions of rupees for violations. Following its introduction, the bill was referred to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Information Technology for further review.
The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for monitoring AI systems in the country, emphasizing the need to protect privacy, security, and human dignity while promoting responsible AI usage. If passed, the legislation will impose fines ranging from Rs 1.5 billion to Rs 2.5 billion for violations, with the potential for even higher penalties in cases involving sensitive or classified data.
The “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024“ is designed to mitigate the risks of AI misuse, calling for human oversight in critical sectors such as national security, health, and education. The legislation also stresses the need for transparent data collection and safe AI systems. The establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Commission headquartered in Islamabad is central to the bill. This commission will be tasked with ensuring equitable access to AI technology for all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
The commission will also play a role in developing AI infrastructure, fostering research, and enhancing public service delivery through AI applications in sectors like healthcare, finance, and trade. In addition to its regulatory duties, the commission will be responsible for promoting AI-related education and research in the country. Commission members, appointed by the government, will be prohibited from holding any public or political office concurrently.
The bill now sits with the Senate’s standing committee on information technology, which will further deliberate the provisions before it advances through the legislative process. As global conversations on AI governance continue, Pakistan’s steps toward regulation will be closely watched, particularly by those concerned with balancing innovation with ethical responsibility in the fast-evolving AI landscape.
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