BENGALURU: The Digital India Foundation (DIF), a founding member of the AI Alliance Network (AIANET), has raised strong objections to Pakistan’s proposal to join the multilateral coalition, warning that the inclusion of Pakistan’s AI Technology Centre (AITeC) could jeopardize the network’s credibility, security, and core values.
Formed after the Brics Summit in late 2024, AIANET was created as a global alliance of AI research institutions focused on ethical, transparent, and peaceful AI development. The coalition includes members from Brics nations and other democratic countries, aiming to promote collaboration in civilian AI research, prevent dual-use risks, and establish global standards for responsible innovation.
In a letter sent to AIANET leadership on July 11, 2025, DIF expressed concerns about Pakistan’s AI ecosystem, citing the lack of institutional accountability, weak legal protections, and heavy military influence. The foundation warned that including AITeC would pose a significant risk to the integrity of the alliance.
“A Strategic Move to Weaponize AI”
Dr. Arvind Gupta, co-founder and head of DIF, stated, “Pakistan’s application to join AIANET should be viewed as an attempt to gain access to our R&D and technology with the intent to weaponize AI. We must ensure this does not happen.”
DIF highlighted several AITeC laboratories, such as those focusing on autonomous systems, computer vision, and edge computing, which have dual-use potential and could be repurposed for cyber operations, cross-border targeting, or surveillance tied to terrorism. The foundation pointed to the 2025 US Country Reports on Terrorism, which raised concerns about Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed potentially using AI tools for nefarious purposes.
Concerns Over Terror Financing and Cybersecurity
Pakistan remains on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list for its persistent failure to tackle terror financing and money laundering. DIF cautioned that under these circumstances, AI labs in Pakistan could be exploited to facilitate illicit financial activities, such as cryptocurrency-based fundraising for extremist groups.
The foundation also stressed that Pakistan lacks enforceable data protection laws and independent oversight mechanisms, both of which are vital for AIANET membership. It pointed out that CENTAI, Pakistan’s primary AI agency under the Pakistan Air Force, is focused on defense applications, which contradicts AIANET’s civilian-first mandate.
Undermining AIANET’s Core Mission
DIF concluded that integrating Pakistan into this multilateral AI framework would undermine AIANET’s commitment to promoting AI innovation for the public good. The foundation urged all members of the alliance to reject Pakistan’s application in its entirety.
In its statement, DIF called on AIANET to safeguard its democratic values, uphold global cooperation, and stay true to its long-term mission of fostering AI systems aligned with ethical and lawful use.
