Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Afnan Ullah Khan has introduced a bill in the Senate aimed at regulating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country to address the “various risks” associated with this technology. The proposed ‘Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024’ seeks to impose substantial fines, ranging from billions of rupees, on violators.
The bill, presented by the ruling-party senator as a private member’s initiative, was tabled on August 9, according to a report by The News. On September 9, it was referred to the Senate’s standing committee on information technology for further review and deliberation.
The bill also aims to protect the privacy and safety of AI users, advocating for transparency in AI data collection, storage, and usage. Additionally, it calls for enhancements to the country’s telecommunications systems, digital governance, and “cybersecurity.”
Under the proposed legislation, a commission—appointed by the government—will oversee compliance. Members of this commission will be prohibited from holding any public or political office simultaneously.
Violations of the bill could result in fines ranging from Rs1.5 billion to Rs2.5 billion, with the potential for increased penalties in cases involving the “dissemination of sensitive or classified data.” However, the bill does not specify the exact violations that would trigger these fines.
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In March, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its first global AI resolution, encouraging member states to monitor AI for risks to human rights, personal data, and fundamental freedoms.
