Pakistan’s Senate reviewed the AI Regulation Bill 2024 and raised transparency concerns over the Jazz–NUST AI project, urging ethical frameworks, open collaboration, and inclusive growth in national AI development.
July 31, 2025 | 3 min read
ISLAMABAD – In a pivotal move for Pakistan’s digital future, the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom has scrutinized the newly introduced AI Regulation Bill 2024 while raising serious transparency concerns over the Jazz–NUST collaboration to develop the country’s first local language AI model.
Chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the committee reviewed the implications of the bill, which was approved by the federal cabinet just a day prior. The legislation aims to enforce ethical standards and accountability in artificial intelligence development and deployment across the country.
“AI is transforming the global landscape. Pakistan cannot afford to lag behind,” emphasized the Secretary IT, highlighting the urgency of a comprehensive legal and ethical AI framework.
However, senators cautioned about the social and legal implications of unchecked AI growth.
Senator Afnan Ullah warned of potential job losses and stressed the need for accurate, human-verified AI systems, while Senator Kamran Murtaza, with a legal background, expressed skepticism about AI-generated content, citing factual inaccuracies in responses from generative tools.
Jazz–NUST AI Project Under Scrutiny
The committee’s most heated discussion centered around a high-profile collaboration between Jazz, Pakistan’s leading telecom company, and NUST (National University of Sciences and Technology) to develop an indigenous AI language model.
Lawmakers sharply criticized the lack of transparency in the partner selection process.
“Why were other telecom firms and universities not invited? Why always NUST?” asked Senator Humayun Mohmand, challenging the fairness of the process.
The committee questioned the absence of a public tender and emphasized that Pakistan’s broader academic and private sector landscape must be included in national-level tech initiatives.
In response, the Secretary IT clarified that the MoU signed between Jazz and NUST was not government-funded, noting that both parties are independently investing in the project.
Jazz representatives defended the initiative, highlighting the urgency of building datasets for local and regional languages, many of which are at risk of extinction.
Still, senators remained firm on the need for open processes in future AI projects to uphold meritocracy, innovation, and public trust.
Emerging Technology Wing and National AI Training Plan
Amid rising momentum, the Secretary also announced the launch of a dedicated Emerging Technology Wing under the Ministry of IT, focusing on AI, chip design, and next-gen technologies.
Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs. 16 billion has been allocated for AI-related projects. A flagship training initiative will provide practical AI education to 7,000+ bachelor’s students, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and industry-relevant skills.
A Defining Moment for AI in Pakistan
Pakistan stands at a crucial crossroads in its AI journey. While initiatives like the Jazz–NUST project promise innovation, the Senate has made it clear: the future of AI in Pakistan must be inclusive, transparent, and responsibly regulated.
As Jazz and AI continue to dominate the national tech conversation, the demand for public oversight, open collaboration, and ethical standards has never been louder.
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