Senate Hosts High-Level Dialogue on AI’s Role in Democratic Governance
In a significant move toward technological modernisation, the Senate of Pakistan recently hosted a high-level session focused on the strategic role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in democratic governance and institutional innovation. This event, organised under the European Union-funded Mustehkam Parlimaan Project, served as a platform for lawmakers, diplomats, AI experts, and media professionals to explore how AI can transform legislative work in ethical, transparent, and impactful ways.
Importance of AI Governance
During the session, the Ambassador of the EU to Pakistan, Dr. Riina Kionka, highlighted the EU’s leadership in setting global standards for responsible AI governance. She stated, “Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping our societies – but values must guide its development.” The European Union has pioneered the world’s first comprehensive AI legislation to ensure that this transformation is not only innovative but also ethical and inclusive.
Dr. Kionka emphasized the vital role parliaments play in establishing the course for AI governance and expressed the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s Senate in this journey towards a human-centred and collaborative approach.
Building AI Literacy Among Lawmakers
In her opening remarks, Rida Qazi, Advisor to the Chairman Senate, underscored the necessity of building AI literacy among lawmakers and aligning innovation with institutional purpose. She remarked, “We are moving from exploration to integration,” pointing out tools like the Parliamentary ChatBot that are being developed to enhance legislative services.
The session included an insightful segment on AI literacy, introducing Senators to the fundamentals of AI and its real-world applications in legislative environments. This involved a proof of concept for an AI-powered agent designed to automate document management, streamline workflows, and improve multilingual accessibility.
Commitment to Institutional Modernisation
Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider reiterated the Senate’s ongoing commitment to institutional modernisation and excellence in public service. The Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, extended his gratitude to the EU Mission in Pakistan for their support in strengthening parliamentary performance, including the establishment of the Parliamentary Budget Office.
In his keynote address, the Chairman emphasised that digital transformation is a national imperative. He stated, “Embracing digital governance and integrating artificial intelligence into legislative work is no longer a question of if, but of how and when.” He highlighted that the Senate is proud to be the first parliamentary chamber in the region to commission an indigenous AI-powered chatbot, which will facilitate faster access to legislative records and enhance the quality of lawmaking.
AI’s Promise for Parliaments
The Chairman noted that AI holds immense promise for parliaments, helping to strengthen citizen engagement, detect disinformation, and promote more transparent and efficient governance. “Our aim is to integrate these tools in a way that reflects democratic values and institutional integrity,” he added, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration with the European Union and the tech community to shape this transformation responsibly.
Panel Discussion on AI and Media Management
A panel discussion led by renowned journalist Talat Hussain and others examined the growing impact of AI in media management and legislative ethics. The session stressed that while AI presents new opportunities, it also raises critical questions surrounding transparency, bias, and accountability—issues that Pakistan’s Parliament must confront proactively.
Overall, the high-level dialogue on AI’s role in democratic governance marks a pivotal step towards leveraging technology to enhance legislative processes, ensuring they remain aligned with democratic principles and citizen interests.
