In the grand chessboard of technological supremacy, the AI Action Summit 2025, held in Paris on February 10–11, was more than just another high-profile conference—it was a defining moment in the global AI arms race. With over 100 countries in attendance, the summit served as a battleground where the world’s leading and emerging powers negotiated AI ethics, regulations, and collaboration strategies.
Yet, while giants like China, the European Union, India, and France took center stage, Pakistan was nowhere to be seen.
In an era where artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of economic power, technological sovereignty, and even geopolitical dominance, Pakistan’s absence from this crucial dialogue is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a strategic failure.
AI Action Summit 2025: A New World Order in AI Governance
This year's AI Action Summit was a landmark event, not just because of the scale of participation but because of the power plays and ideological battles that unfolded.
The AI Ethics & Regulation Framework Debate
The European Union, led by Ursula von der Leyen, championed an ethics-first approach, pushing for strong regulations to ensure AI transparency, accountability, and safety.
The United States and the UK refused to sign the AI Summit Declaration, resisting heavy-handed regulations that might slow down innovation.
China and India advocated for a balanced approach—aggressive AI expansion with state oversight to maintain control and security.
Funding & AI Infrastructure Commitments
The European Union committed a staggering €200 billion toward AI research and industrial adoption.
India positioned itself as a leader in AI accessibility, focusing on AI-driven economic development and digital inclusion.
The UAE emerged as a dark horse, announcing a new AI mega-city project that could challenge Silicon Valley’s dominance.
AI Geopolitics & Power Struggles
The US and UK’s refusal to sign the AI Summit Declaration showed a growing divide between Western nations on AI governance.
China tightened its AI export policies, signaling a future where AI technology becomes a geopolitical bargaining chip.
This was not just a conference—it was a reshaping of global power structures in AI. Yet, in this historic moment, Pakistan was absent.
The Global AI Landscape: Why Pakistan Cannot Afford to Sit on the Sidelines
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it is a present-day reality reshaping industries, economies, and societies. According to PwC, AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with countries like the United States, China, and India leading the charge. The AI Action Summit 2025 highlighted the urgency for nations to collaborate on AI governance, ethics, and innovation.
Pakistan, with its young and tech-savvy population, has the potential to become a significant player in this field. However, its absence from the summit sends a disheartening message: Pakistan is not ready to take the reins in shaping the technological narrative.
Pakistan’s AI Progress: A Mixed Bag
Pakistan has made some strides in AI, but these efforts pale in comparison to the global momentum. Here’s a snapshot of Pakistan’s AI landscape:
Achievements:
Qazi AI: Developed by Aadil Jalil Chaudhary, Qazi AI is a groundbreaking tool that automates the drafting of legal documents, such as petitions and court notices. It earned a runner-up spot at the Meta Llama Pitchathon in 2024 and was featured at Meet the Drapers in 2025. This achievement highlights the potential of Pakistani innovators to create impactful AI solutions.
AI Institutions:
Sino-Pak Center for Artificial Intelligence (SPCAI): A research facility focused on developing AI-based solutions for real-world problems.
National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI): This institution provides AI solutions in areas like smart cities, precision agriculture, and disaster resilience.
Market Growth: Pakistan’s AI market is projected to reach
949.20 million in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 27.76 to 3.23 billion by 2030. While these numbers are promising, they are a fraction of the $66.21 billion AI market size projected for the United States in 2025.
Pakistan’s AI Stagnation: A Self-Inflicted Wound?
While other nations are building AI-powered economies, Pakistan is lagging behind, stuck in a cycle of half-hearted initiatives and bureaucratic inertia.
Where Pakistan Stands in AI Development
Pakistan has made some small strides in AI, such as:
✅ Establishing the National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI)
✅ Launching a National AI Policy
✅ Some universities offering AI-related programs
But here’s the harsh reality: these efforts are not enough.
🚫 No large-scale AI investment strategy
🚫 No national AI research fund
🚫 No participation in global AI alliances
🚫 No real policy execution
Compare this to India, which is actively leading international AI summits, attracting billions in AI investments, and developing AI solutions that are transforming its economy.
The Real Cost of Missing the AI Race
Pakistan’s absence from the AI Action Summit isn’t just a diplomatic blunder—it’s a warning sign of economic and technological irrelevance.
Loss of AI-Driven Economic Growth
AI is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 (PwC Report).
Countries investing in AI are seeing GDP growth spikes—China’s AI industry alone is set to add $7 trillion to its GDP.
Pakistan risks being left behind in the next economic revolution.
Exclusion from Global AI Policy Making
AI regulations, once set, will dictate global AI trade and partnerships.
Pakistan’s absence means it has no say in shaping rules that could impact its AI industries in the future.
Brain Drain & Talent Exodus
AI researchers and engineers are leaving Pakistan due to a lack of local opportunities.
Without government-backed AI incentives, Pakistan will continue losing its best minds to foreign tech hubs.
Why Pakistan Needs to Lead in AI
1. Economic Growth and Job Creation
AI has the potential to revolutionize Pakistan’s economy by creating new industries and jobs. According to the World Economic Forum, AI could create 97 million new jobs globally by 2025. By investing in AI, Pakistan can tap into this potential and reduce unemployment, particularly among its youth.
2. Solving Local Problems
AI can address some of Pakistan’s most pressing challenges, such as:
Agriculture: Precision farming can increase crop yields and reduce water usage.
Healthcare: AI-powered diagnostics can improve access to quality healthcare in rural areas.
Disaster Management: AI can predict natural disasters and optimize relief efforts.
3. Global Competitiveness
In a world increasingly defined by AI capabilities, Pakistan cannot afford to lag behind. By leading in AI, Pakistan can position itself as a hub for innovation and attract foreign investment.
Learning from China: A Blueprint for Success
China’s rapid ascent as a global AI powerhouse offers valuable lessons for Pakistan. Here’s how Pakistan can emulate China’s success:
1. Government Support
China’s government has made AI a national priority, investing billions of dollars in research and development. Pakistan needs to adopt a similar approach by:
Increasing funding for AI institutions like NCAI and SPCAI.
Offering tax incentives to AI startups.
2. Public-Private Partnerships
China’s success in AI is driven by strong collaboration between the government, academia, and private sector. Pakistan can foster similar partnerships by:
Encouraging tech giants like Google and Microsoft to set up AI research centers in Pakistan.
Collaborating with Chinese AI firms to transfer knowledge and technology.
3. Focus on Education
China has integrated AI into its education system, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent. Pakistan can follow suit by:
Introducing AI courses in schools and universities.
Offering scholarships for students pursuing AI research.
The Cost of Inaction: Pakistan’s Absence from the AI Action Summit 2025
Pakistan’s absence from the AI Action Summit 2025 is a missed opportunity to:
Shape global AI policies and regulations.
Showcase its AI achievements on the world stage.
Network with global leaders and attract investment.
As Andrew Dudfield, head of AI at Full Fact, warned, countries that fail to engage in global AI governance risk “undercutting their hard-won credibility.” Pakistan’s silence at the summit is a troubling indictment of its ability to navigate a rapidly changing world.
What Pakistan Must Do to Catch Up
Pakistan can still recover—but only with immediate, aggressive action.
Develop a High-Stakes National AI Strategy
Invest at least $5 billion in AI research and industrial adoption.
Create a National AI Supercomputer Hub to attract AI startups and researchers.
Build AI Public-Private Partnerships
Collaborate with global AI firms and incentivize tech companies to set up AI R&D centers in Pakistan.
Establish AI incubators for Pakistani entrepreneurs and startups.
Engage in International AI Diplomacy
Become a member of global AI governance bodies.
Host an AI summit in Pakistan to attract foreign AI investments.
Prioritize AI Education & Workforce Development
Integrate AI and machine learning into school and university curriculums.
Offer tax incentives for companies investing in AI talent development.
Final Thoughts: The Future is AI—Pakistan Must Decide Its Fate
The AI Action Summit 2025 has drawn a clear line between nations shaping the future and those being shaped by it.
Pakistan’s absence is not just an oversight—it’s a failure to recognize that AI is the next industrial revolution. Countries that invest in AI today will lead the world tomorrow. The AI Action Summit 2025 highlighted the rapid advancements and collaborative efforts shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Pakistan's absence from such a critical platform signals a need to reassess its approach to AI development and global engagement. By learning from leading nations and proactively participating in international discussions, Pakistan can harness AI's potential to drive national progress and secure its place in the global technological arena.
As Google CEO Sundar Pichai aptly stated at the summit, AI is “the most important way we can advance our mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” Pakistan must embrace this mission and step up its game—before it’s too late.
Will Pakistan wake up and claim its place in the AI revolution, or will it watch from the sidelines as the future passes it by?
The choice is ours—but time is running out.
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