Pakistani Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Monday called for stronger cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate growth, create quality employment and bridge development gaps across the region. 

Addressing the Ministerial-Level Closed-Door Meeting on SCO Digital Economy Cooperation in Urumqi, Xinjiang, the minister said the digital economy had emerged as a key driver of productivity, trade, governance and human development, offering the SCO region a major opportunity to accelerate economic and social progress, a news release said. 

Ahsan Iqbal, who is visiting China to attend the SCO Digital Economy Forum 2026, said Pakistan had placed digital transformation at the centre of its national development agenda, with E-Pakistan as one of the five principal pillars of URAAN Pakistan. 

He highlighted the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority and the National AI Policy as key steps towards strengthening digital public services, data-driven policymaking and responsible use of artificial intelligence. 

The minister said Pakistan greatly valued its cooperation with China in digital technologies, particularly through the CPEC Joint Working Group on Information Technology and Industry and the China-SCO Pakistan Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Centre. 

He said these platforms could further expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, research and skills development among SCO member states. 

Ahsan Iqbal proposed the establishment of an SCO Digital Connectivity and Compute Corridor, combining stronger cross-border fibre links, resilient networks, data centres, satellite connectivity and interoperable cloud and computing resources. 

He stressed that digital infrastructure should not only serve governments but also benefit universities, startups, small and medium enterprises, women, youth and remote communities, enabling wider participation in the digital economy. 

Calling for greater trust in digital cooperation, the minister underscored the importance of privacy, cybersecurity, accountability, transparent data access and respect for national sovereignty. 

He also supported the development of an SCO Sovereign AI Infrastructure and Governance Framework to strengthen national capabilities and promote the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence.  Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan, as it assumes the Presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State under the theme "Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity," supported institutionalizing SCO digital economy cooperation through regular ministerial dialogue, technical coordination and result-oriented projects. 

He said the success of SCO cooperation should ultimately be measured through tangible outcomes, including faster trade, stronger industries, improved public services, skilled people and wider digital opportunities. 

"Pakistan stands ready to work with SCO member states to transform connectivity, innovation and trust into shared digital prosperity," he added.