ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday rolled out Pakistan’s first AI-enabled parliamentary system, marking what Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called a major step towards a paperless and more efficient legislature.

Speaking at the soft launch ceremony, Sadiq said the integration of artificial intelligence with parliamentary processes was a necessity of the modern era. “Modern technology improves institutional performance,” he said, adding that digital systems had already reduced delays caused by physical files and increased transparency and speed.

The speaker said MNAs had shown keen interest in using technology during proceedings. The assembly is moving towards a phased paperless setup, including shifting budget documents to a digital system.

He praised the Ministry of IT and the National Information Technology Board for supporting the initiative, saying their efforts in digitising state institutions were commendable.

He announced that funds had been allocated for setting up a modern data centre in the National Assembly.

He said the use of AI would give lawmakers better support in legislation and parliamentary affairs. Training is also being provided to the assembly’s IT directorate staff through the Ministry of IT and NITB to enhance capacity.

He noted that holding proceedings in a paperless environment for the first time a day earlier was a historic development for the assembly.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026