Ethical safeguards must be established in face of surging AI: MAP chief

Published June 4, 2026 Updated June 4, 2026 08:18am

ISLAMABAD: Minorities Alliance Pakistan (MAP) ChairmanAkmal Bhatti, has welcomed and appreciated the recent guidance and recommendations of Pope Leo regarding the protection of humanity in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Pope’s timely message highlights the urgent need for governments, technology companies, civil society organisations, and international institutions to ensure that technological advancement serves human dignity, justice, peace, and the common good.

As AI continues to transform societies around the world, ethical safeguards must be established to protect fundamental human rights, privacy, employment opportunities, and the dignity of every individual.

Minorities Alliance Pakistan fully supports international efforts aimed at ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and utilized in ways that promote inclusion, equality, and respect for all communities, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups.

“On behalf of Minorities Alliance Pakistan, I express sincere gratitude to His Holiness Pope Leo for providing moral leadership and reminding the global community that technological progress must never come at the expense of humanity,” Mr Bhatti said adding that the message by the Pope serves as an important call for responsible innovation guided by ethical principles and compassion.

“We also thanks Pope Leo for recalling with respect the humanitarian vision of former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who consistently advocated for democracy, human rights, interfaith harmony, and the welfare of disadvantaged communities,” the statement by the minorities alliance has said. Mr Bhatti said that the commitment of late PM Benazir Bhutto to social justice and human dignity continues to inspire those working for equality and peaceful coexistence in Pakistan and around the world.

Minorities Alliance Pakistan stands ready to work with national and international partners to promote policies that ensure technology serves humanity while protecting the rights, freedoms, and dignity of all people.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2026