Gilani Calls For Stronger Pakistan-Somalia Cooperation In Digital Governance
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Sep, 2026) Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday called for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Somalia in digital governance, foundational identity, artificial intelligence, and Digital Public Infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of South-South cooperation.
He made these remarks at the concluding ceremony of the Somalia-Pakistan Peer Learning Programme on Foundational ID and Digital Public Infrastructure.
Addressing the event, Gilani stated:
The programme demonstrated that meaningful international cooperation is not limited to formal agreements, but also involves sharing knowledge, experiences, and practical solutions to strengthen institutions and improve citizens’ lives.
He appreciated the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for facilitating the peer learning process and commended the partnership between Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) as a valuable example of South-South cooperation.
Gilani defined a foundational identity system as:
A key building block of a modern state that facilitates access to public and private services and supports financial inclusion.
He noted that Pakistan's experience through NADRA offers important lessons in developing identity infrastructure into a platform for wider governance and service delivery.
The Senator stressed that Pakistan is prioritizing e-governance and digital transformation as a core component of its national development agenda, while emphasizing the need for Parliament to remain integral to this process. He ensured that technology would be inclusive, secure, accountable, and rights-based.
Highlighting the Senate's digital initiatives, Gilani mentioned:
- The Upper House is moving towards a paperless e-Parliament through e-Office and digital parliamentary processes.
- The recent launch of the Senate mobile Application as a step towards greater efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness.
He further noted Pakistan’s recent joining of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member, underscoring its commitment to international cooperation in AI, especially among countries of the Global South.
Gilani proposed strengthening institutional links between the Parliaments of Pakistan and Somalia through:
- Greater exchange of experiences in legislation, oversight, digital transformation, and citizen engagement.
- Exploring broader technology cooperation across the OIC, particularly in digital identity, e-government, financial inclusion, and AI.
He also called on development partners like UNDP to continue supporting such initiatives.