Pakistan Pushes SCO Digital Connectivity and Compute Corridor at Urumqi Forum
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has proposed the creation of an SCO Digital Connectivity and Compute Corridor and called for stronger cooperation among member states in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
Addressing a ministerial-level closed-door meeting on SCO Digital Economy Cooperation during the SCO Digital Economy Forum 2026 in Urumqi, Ahsan Iqbal said the digital economy had become a major driver of productivity, trade, governance and human development. He emphasized that the SCO region had a significant opportunity to use digital transformation to accelerate economic growth, create quality employment and narrow development gaps among member states.
The minister said Pakistan had placed digital transformation at the centre of its national development agenda, with E-Pakistan among the five principal pillars of URAAN Pakistan. He highlighted the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, the Pakistan Digital Authority and the National AI Policy as key initiatives aimed at expanding digital public services, strengthening data-driven policymaking and promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan attached great importance to its cooperation with China in digital technologies, particularly through the CPEC Joint Working Group on Information Technology and Industry and the China-SCO Pakistan Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Centre. He noted that these platforms could help expand cooperation in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, research and skills development among participating countries.
Under his proposed SCO Digital Connectivity and Compute Corridor, Ahsan Iqbal said member states could develop stronger cross-border fibre links, resilient digital networks, data centres, satellite connectivity and interoperable cloud and computing resources. He stressed that the benefits of digital infrastructure should extend beyond governments to universities, startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, women, young people and communities in remote areas.
The minister also called for greater trust and stronger safeguards in digital cooperation, emphasizing privacy, cybersecurity, accountability, transparent access to data and respect for national sovereignty. He supported the establishment of an SCO Sovereign AI Infrastructure and Governance Framework, saying it could strengthen the national capabilities of member states while promoting the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan, as it assumes the presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State under the theme "Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity," supports institutionalizing cooperation on the digital economy through regular ministerial dialogue, technical coordination and result-oriented projects.
He said the success of SCO cooperation should ultimately be judged by tangible outcomes, including faster trade, stronger industries, improved public services, a more skilled workforce and wider access to digital opportunities. Ahsan Iqbal concluded by stating that Pakistan was ready to work with SCO member states to turn connectivity, innovation and mutual trust into shared digital prosperity.