Pakistan Sounds Alarm: Demands UN Charter Govern AI, Cautions Against Autonomous Weapons Race

In a powerful address to the United Nations, Pakistan has issued a fervent plea for the global regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the foundational principles of the UN Charter. Highlighting the transformative yet perilous nature of this technology, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram, underscored the critical need for a universal governance framework to prevent AI from becoming a tool of conflict and disparity.

Speaking during a preparatory session for the upcoming 'Summit of the Future', Ambassador Akram articulated a vision where AI's immense potential for human good—spanning development, health, education, and climate change mitigation—is harnessed responsibly.

However, he also delivered a stark warning about the looming specter of its misuse, particularly the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). These self-operating weapons, he cautioned, represent a grave threat to international peace and security, capable of igniting a new, uncontrollable arms race and ushering in an era of 'digital warfare' without human oversight.

Pakistan’s core demand is unambiguous: all AI development and deployment, especially in the military domain, must strictly adhere to the UN Charter, established international law, and humanitarian principles.

The nation staunchly opposes the weaponization of AI and calls for immediate, binding international instruments to ban LAWS. Ambassador Akram stressed that the implications of such weapons—from escalating conflicts to blurring lines of accountability—are too dire to ignore.

Beyond the immediate military threat, Pakistan also voiced profound concerns about AI's broader societal impact.

The envoy highlighted risks associated with surveillance, disinformation campaigns, and the potential for AI to undermine national sovereignty, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. He emphasized that the benefits of AI must be universally shared, preventing a widening 'digital divide' that could leave developing nations further behind.

An equitable, inclusive, and transparent approach to AI governance is essential to ensure that this revolutionary technology serves all of humanity, not just a privileged few.

The call for a global, consensus-based governance framework for AI is a crucial step towards navigating the complex ethical and security challenges posed by this rapidly evolving field.

Pakistan's proactive stance at the UN reflects a deep understanding of AI's dual nature and a commitment to fostering a future where technological advancement is synonymous with peace, justice, and shared prosperity, rather than conflict and deeper inequalities.