Pakistan Urges UN Governance for Military AI, Citing Grave Risks

Pakistan Calls for UN Oversight on Military AI

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif addressed the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, urging the international body to establish comprehensive governance over military applications of artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that unregulated use of AI poses 'grave risks' to global peace and security, emphasizing that such applications must be 'fully' governed by the UN Charter and international law.

Warnings Against Unregulated AI in Warfare

During a high-level debate on AI under the agenda item 'Maintenance of international peace and security,' Minister Asif outlined several critical dangers associated with unchecked AI development in the military domain. He stated that AI 'lowers the threshold for use of force, making wars more politically and operationally feasible.' Furthermore, he cautioned that AI 'compresses decision-time, narrowing the window for diplomacy and de-escalation,' and 'blurs domain boundaries, merging cyber, kinetic, and informational effects in unpredictable ways.'

Asif also highlighted that unregulated and irresponsible AI use could enable 'disinformation campaigns, offensive cyber operations, and development of new types of armaments.' He stressed that the 'accelerating weaponization of AI, through autonomous weapon systems, and AI-driven command and control systems, poses a grave danger.'

Emphasis on Human Control and International Law

The Defence Minister asserted that AI applications 'without meaningful human control' should be prohibited. He underscored the importance of preserving 'the primacy of human judgment, in matters of war and peace,' ensuring that innovation is guided by 'principles of morality and humanity.' Asif maintained that while AI has the potential to accelerate socio-economic progress, it could also 'deepen inequalities, and destabilize the international order' if not properly managed.

In his address, Asif cited a recent military exchange between India and Pakistan as an example of the dangers, noting that 'autonomous munitions and high-speed dual-capable cruise missiles were used by one nuclear-armed State against another during a military exchange.' He warned that 'AI must not become a tool of coercion or technological monopoly.'

Broader UN Efforts on AI Governance

Pakistan's call aligns with ongoing discussions within the United Nations regarding AI governance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who opened the debate, acknowledged that AI is 'no longer a distant horizon' and is transforming daily life 'at breathtaking speed.' He cautioned that 'without guardrails, it can also be weaponized.'

The UN General Assembly has adopted resolutions urging inclusive and equitable AI governance, and efforts are underway to establish a multidisciplinary Independent International Scientific Panel on AI (IISP-AI) and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Pakistan has also introduced its first national AI policy earlier this year, reflecting its commitment to responsible innovation.

Conclusion

Minister Asif concluded by urging states to commit to measures that prevent the destabilizing use of AI and to adopt collective measures to prevent an uncontrolled arms race. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to supporting international efforts to balance technological progress with global peace and stability.