Senate IT Committee to Review Cryptocurrency Council and Launch of Zahanat AI Tool
ISLAMABAD – The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has requested a comprehensive briefing from the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoIT&T) regarding two significant initiatives: the establishment of a cryptocurrency regulation council and the launch of Pakistan’s first indigenous Generative AI tool, “Zahanat AI”.
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2025, in Islamabad, following a notice from the Senate Secretariat.
A key agenda item will focus on the highly debated launch of Zahanat AI. This tool was initially announced by the IT Minister, but denied by the CEO of the National Information Technology Board (NITB). The committee will seek clarification on the discrepancy and assess the Ministry’s role in maintaining transparency in tech-related developments.
The future of the proposed cryptocurrency council, spearheaded by the Finance Division, will also be reviewed.
Read More: Pakistan Forms Crypto Council Headed by Finance Minister Aurangzeb
AI Bill and Other Issues on the Agenda
The committee, led by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, will also discuss the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2024, introduced by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan. The bill, first presented in September 2023, is set to establish ethical and legal frameworks for AI development and deployment in Pakistan.
Further discussions will include Long Distance International (LDI) and Fixed Line Local (FLL) license renewals, with officials from MoIT&T and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) being called to provide updates.
Additionally, the committee will review the progress of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, 2025, a critical piece of legislation aimed at fostering digital transformation in the country.
International Collaboration and IT Industry Updates
The committee will also receive updates on Pakistan’s participation in the Digital Development Investment Forum (DDIF), focusing on international collaborations and opportunities for local software companies. A detailed report on registered IT companies under PASHA and PSEB, along with their revenues from the previous year, will also be shared with the senators.
