01 JUL 2025 · National Strategy

Pakistan National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025

Pakistan first comprehensive national AI policy, built on four pillars: National AI Fund, geographically distributed Centres of Excellence, AI-enabled governance, and international cooperation.

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29 JAN 2025 · Law / Act

Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 establishing the Digital Authority

On 29 January 2025, the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, which establishes the Pakistan Digital Authority enters into force. The Act aims to facilitate the digital transformation of the economy, governance, and society by creating a comprehensive framework for digital governance. The Authority is responsible for implementing the National Digital Masterplan, overseeing digital transformation, and ensuring alignment with national goals across sectors. It will issue regulations, facilitates coo...

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19 MAY 2023 · Law / Act

Data localisation measures in Pakistan Personal Data Protection Bill

On 19 May 2023, the Pakistan Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MITT) released a draft of the Pakistan Personal Data Protection Bill containing data localisation measures. In particular, the Bill requires that certain types of data, such as critical personal data, must be stored and processed within the territory of Pakistan.

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19 MAY 2023 · Law / Act

Registration requirements in Pakistan Personal Data Protection Bill

On 19 May 2023, the Pakistan Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MITT) released a draft of the Pakistan Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB). In particular, the Act would require data controllers and processors to register with the National Commission for Personal Data Protection (NCPDP).

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13 OCT 2021 · Executive Order

Data localisation requirement in Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2021

On 13 October 2021, the "Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2021", prescribed by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority, were published in the official gazette of Pakistan, updating the 2021 version of the Rules. The rules contain a data localisation requirement for social media providers.

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07 MAY 2021 · Other

Third blocking of TikTok

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has decided not to implement a full block of TikTok in the country on 5 July 2021, citing the company's actions in blocking banned content. The PTA also noted, however, that it reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings again as soon as the platform does not block objectionable content again.

Secondary evidenceContent ModerationIssuing institution: Issuing authority not identified

01 APR 2021 · Executive Order

Second blocking of TikTok by PTA

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority lifts the second ban on TikTok.

Secondary evidenceContent ModerationIssuing institution: Issuing authority not identified

20 OCT 2020 · Executive Order

Content monitoring requirement in Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content Rules 2020

On 20 October 2020, the Pakistan Telecom Authority published the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020, which include a requirement to take down illegal content within 24 hours. Unlawful content includes any content that offends the "glory of Islam", the integrity and security of Pakistan, the public order, decency and morality.

Secondary evidenceContent ModerationIssuing institution: Issuing authority not identified

01 SEP 2020 · Executive Order

Restriction of dating services by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority blocks access to five dating/live streaming applications due to allegedly immoral content (Tinder, Tagged, Skout, Grindr and SayHi).

Secondary evidenceContent ModerationIssuing institution: Issuing authority not identified

National Strategy

Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023

AI law in Pakistan: The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 (PDPB 2023) is a draft federal law proposed by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to regulate the processing, storage and transfer of personal data in Pakistan. It establishes data subject rights, obligations for data controllers and processors, breach notification duties, and creates a National Commission for Personal Data Protection (NCPDP) with oversight and enforcement powers....

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National Strategy

National Artificial Intelligence Policy (National AI Policy) 2025

AI law in Pakistan: The National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025 (National AI Policy) establishes a six‑pillar national roadmap to build an inclusive, secure and innovation-driven AI ecosystem in Pakistan. Approved by the Federal Cabinet on 30–31 July 2025, it creates institutional structures (AI Council, Master Plan), funding instruments (National AI Fund / NAIF), Centres of Excellence, regulatory sandboxes and sectoral roadmaps to drive skills, research, infrastructure and responsible deployment....

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National Strategy

Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2024

AI law in Pakistan: The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2024 (introduced in the Senate by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan) proposes a national regulatory framework for the development, deployment and oversight of AI in Pakistan. Key measures include creation of an Artificial Intelligence Commission, registration and oversight duties, obligations on transparency, data governance alignment with data-protection initiatives, incident reporting, and significant administrative penalties for non-compliance....

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National Strategy

Digital Pakistan Policy (2018)

AI law in Pakistan: The Digital Pakistan Policy (May 2018) is Pakistan's national roadmap to build a holistic digital ecosystem by promoting broadband access, digitisation of public services, incentives for the IT/ITeS industry, data protection frameworks, and capacity building. Approved by the federal cabinet in May 2018, it sets institutional responsibilities and an implementation agenda to accelerate digital transformation across sectors....

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Law / Act

Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025

AI law in Pakistan: The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025 amends the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 to add new offences (including a specific provision criminalising dissemination of false or 'fake' information), create a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority and a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, and confer takedown, blocking and registration powers over online platforms. The Act came into force upon publication in the Official Gazette on 29 January 2025....

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National Strategy

National Cyber Security Policy 2021

AI law in Pakistan: The National Cyber Security Policy 2021 (NCSP 2021), issued by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MoITT), establishes a national framework to strengthen Pakistan’s cyber resilience, protect critical information infrastructure, and coordinate public-private cybersecurity governance. The policy sets out governance structures, risk-based approaches, standards, capacity-building, incident response arrangements and international cooperation measures to manage cyber threats across government, critical sectors and private industry....

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Law / Act

Digital Nation Pakistan Act, 2025

AI law in Pakistan: The Digital Nation Pakistan Act, 2025 (Act No. I of 2025) establishes a national framework for Pakistan’s digital transformation by creating the Pakistan Digital Authority, the National Digital Commission, and related oversight bodies to implement a National Digital Masterplan. The Act provides institutional powers to coordinate digital public infrastructure, promote interoperable digital services, and govern data sharing while requiring reporting and oversight mechanisms to monitor implementation....

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National Strategy

Presidential Initiative for Artificial Intelligence & Computing (PIAIC)

AI law in Pakistan: The Presidential Initiative for Artificial Intelligence and Computing (PIAIC) is a nationwide, Presidential-led strategy to accelerate digital upskilling in Pakistan through large-scale training and education programs in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Native Computing and Internet of Things. Launched under the auspices of the President’s office and implemented via public–private partnerships, PIAIC focuses on workforce development, inclusion (notably women’s participation), and university and industry collaboration to build an AI-ready talent pool for domestic and export markets. (piaic.org)...

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National Strategy

Pakistan Cloud First Policy

AI law in Pakistan: The Pakistan Cloud First Policy (PCFP) — approved by the federal cabinet in February 2022 — requires public sector entities to prioritise cloud-based solutions for new ICT investments, establishes a Cloud Office and accreditation regime for Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), and defines data classification and security baselines to improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen information security. The policy also sets procurement and governance arrangements to accelerate digital transformation across federal public sector entities....

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