Digital Government Readiness and Legal Preparedness for Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Pakistan's Public Sector

Abstract

This paper assesses whether Pakistan’s public sector has adequate digital governance and legal preparedness to responsibly deploy artificial intelligence (AI). Pakistan has articulated digital transformation goals in the Digital Pakistan Policy (2018) and Draft National AI Policy (2023), yet institutional and legal readiness lags. Using a qualitative assessment of policies, laws, and peer-reviewed research, the paper examines Pakistan across four interdependent dimensions: digital government readiness, institutional capacity, legal preparedness, and governance and accountability. Pakistan has developed identity infrastructure through NADRA and articulated a coherent digital governance vision, but lacks institutional coordination and legal frameworks for responsible AI deployment. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (2016) omits algorithmic accountability, the Personal Data Protection Bill (2023) remains unenacted, and no independent oversight body specifically mandated to oversee public-sector AI exists. Key recommendations include enacting the Personal Data Protection Bill, expanding its Commission’s mandate to cover algorithmic decisions, consolidating coordination under one institution, and publishing a public AI registry.