Experts have urged the government to have data governance prior to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, stressing that AI should not be confused with information technology.

Speakers at the Indus AI Summit 2026, here on Monday highlighted that purpose of establishing the ‘digital government’ was to ensure that all stakeholders including the general public can avail public service facilities even after office hours.

The summit organised by Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is part of the Indus AI Week.

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Speaking at various, the experts stressed that Pakistan needed to have data governance prior to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, and stressed that AI should not be confused with information technology (IT) as the two were different.

Speaking at one of the sessions, Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü, Deputy Minister for Industry and Technology, Türkiye said that AI adoption was no longer a choice and informed that to match the global pace in this regard, his country has more than 300,000 R&D experts. He added that strong AI base has also helped Türkiye to develop start-ups and techno part industry in the defence sector also.

“But we believe that the AI should be a tool for peace and prosperity through ethical use of AI,” Mr Gönüllü added.

Speakers at the panel titled “Designing AI-Native Government” that included Mohammad Sear of Pakistan Digital Authority, Dr Ali Al-Azzawi, Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia, Dr Sanjiva Weerawarana from Sri Lanka, Siim Sikkut from Digital Nation, Estonia, Hatem Bamatraf CEO PTCL/Ufone) and Aamir Ibrahim CEO Jazz.

The panellists highlighted that AI has helped fintechs to have financial services beyond the banking hours – same way the government services too should be available after 5pm.

The speakers also said that the gaps in AI policies was usually due to the fact that the decision was made at the top level whereas the end users are the general public – including uneducated people.

Whereas federal minister for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja that government wanted to set national strategic direction for AI and highlighted key initiatives of the government, including the full e-office adoption across federal divisions and the establishment of high-performance computing foundations.

She informed that government was moving from policy formulation to tangible implementation by building the necessary digital infrastructure and fostering international partnerships to position Pakistan as a credible global technology player.

While, Dr Michael Sung of China Academy of Science informed about digitisation and AI adoption in China involving the government services for general public even trade.

The final panel was “Next Steps: Impact of the Week,” was moderated by Secretary IT Zarrar Khan and featured Dr Sohail Munir and Sajjad Syed chairman P@SHA, the association of software houses in Pakistan.