Pakistan warns against AI-driven inequality

Pakistan on Thursday warned the UN Security Council that an unregulated artificial intelligence boom risks widening global inequalities and threatening international peace. "Concerted efforts are required to erect the necessary guardrails, regulations and governance frameworks," Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the 15-member Council which held a briefing on 'Artificial Intelligence and International Security. Stressing the need for restraint and confidence-building in the military domain to address risks of miscalculation and compressed decision-making, he underscored the importance of international cooperation to ensure that AI is representative, transparent and inclusive. Convened by France, Council President for September, the meeting was chaired by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs ean-Noël Barrot. In his comments, Dar said the impact of AI, as a force multiplier and cross-cutting dual-use technology, was sharply evident on international and regional peace and stability. Dar said Pakistan welcomed the recognition that no single company or country can manage these risks alone, and that competitive pressures are driving a race that no one can win safely. Today's asymmetries and divides, he said, would aggravate and a safety agenda would turn into a strategy of technological exclusion. The risks of uncontrolled AI would be borne by all; decisions on how to manage them cannot rest with a handful of companies or capitals. DPM/FM called for avoiding fragmentation in AI development and governance, and all relevant issues concerning the development and deployment of AI as well as its broader implications should be taken up comprehensively in representative and inclusive forums with universal participation under the UN auspices. Pakistan, he said, was joining as a founding member of China's initiative to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, as this represents a concrete step toward promoting the development of artificial intelligence, "for good, and for all. "Confidence-building measures, Senator Dar said, play a vital role in the maintenance of international and regional peace and security. "Practical tools designed to reduce mistrust, prevent accidental escalation, and manage risks related to military and foundational AI systems are necessary for peace and security," he said. "We look forward to working closely with member states in efforts to help bridge the global AI divide and promote equitable access to advance peace and development for all."