US sees ‘considerable potential’ for expanding AI ties with Pakistan

Business Recorder reported that US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker told a roundtable on Wednesday that artificial intelligence could become Washington's next priority for cooperation with Islamabad. She argued the biggest breakthroughs will depend on joint work among state bodies, private firms, universities and entrepreneurs, not on lone efforts by governments or companies. Baker said Washington sees Pakistan as a trusted technology partner and pointed to scope for wider commercial and technology links.

Baker called this a pivotal moment, saying ties have never been stronger, particularly at leadership level under the Trump administration. She said the US wants to be Pakistan's preferred partner in AI, keeping people safe while using the technology for growth and global problem solving. She also welcomed Pakistani industrialists and academics who studied in the US or work on AI programmes with American firms.

Baker, who visited Punjab, said she saw the province's AI sector potential firsthand and noted American technology used for public safety. Punjab's AI adviser Ali Dar said the province targets becoming South Asia's most AI-enabled by 2029, with a roadmap expected to create more than 100,000 jobs. Pakistan Software Export Board Chairman Faisal Jeddy said IT exports grew about 21 percent a year over four years, and banking and remittance bottlenecks were being addressed. Salim Ghauri of NetSol Technologies, Muhammad Ilyas of Systems Limited and Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud were among the speakers.