UNDP Pakistan recently hosted a roundtable under the PLEDGE project, bringing together diverse stakeholders from academia, technology organizations, and parliamentary institutions to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening digital governance and supporting provincial assemblies. The dialogue emphasized how innovation can be connected to institutional needs while maintaining responsibility, inclusion, and effective governance as central guiding principles.
Participants included representatives from Punjab Assembly Parliamentary Development Unit, Air University Islamabad, National Cyber Security Academy, and technology firm Irab Technologies. The roundtable served as a platform for exploring the formation of a technical consortium designed to provide structured support for parliamentary development through AI enabled solutions. Discussions focused on practical strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency, responsiveness, and accountability of provincial assemblies, as well as methods for promoting ethical and inclusive technology adoption.
The session featured in-depth exchanges on cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and institutional readiness for emerging technologies. By integrating technical expertise with the operational realities of public institutions, participants examined the potential of AI to assist legislative processes, data management, and citizen engagement. Emphasis was placed on aligning AI applications with local policy frameworks and governance requirements, ensuring that technological interventions address actual institutional challenges rather than theoretical possibilities. The dialogue also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government units, academia, and private sector innovators to achieve sustainable outcomes.
UNDP Pakistan underscored that connecting innovation with public institutions is key to accountable digital transformation that delivers tangible benefits for citizens. By prioritizing inclusive and responsible AI practices, the roundtable aimed to create pathways for future-ready institutions capable of leveraging technology to improve decision making, transparency, and operational efficiency. Participants recognized that establishing a technical consortium would provide an ongoing mechanism for research, knowledge sharing, and implementation support, bridging the gap between emerging technology capabilities and the operational demands of parliamentary bodies.
The event reflected a growing focus on ethical AI adoption within Pakistan’s public sector, positioning AI not only as a tool for process improvement but also as a catalyst for broader institutional development. Stakeholders highlighted the need for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment of AI solutions to ensure that implementation remains aligned with social, legal, and governance standards, while reinforcing accountability and public trust in technology driven reforms. Through this initiative, UNDP Pakistan continues to advance inclusive digital strategies that foster innovation, collaboration, and responsible application of artificial intelligence across legislative and governance frameworks.
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