For years, Pakistan was overlooked in global tech circles. Tagged as a developing country, dismissed by international AI forums, and left out of the conversations that mattered. We watched as other nations sprinted ahead in artificial intelligence while we stood on the sidelines.
But on July 25, 2025, everything changed.
Imagine a stage lit not by spotlights but by possibility. A room full of Pakistan’s top tech minds, government leaders, and global innovators, all witnessing history in motion. Picture Muhammad Tahir stepping up calm, confident, commanding delivering a message that echoed far beyond Karachi’s Pearl Continental Hotel: “Pakistan is now officially part of the global AI revolution.” Welcome to AAAI Pakistan, That moment changed everything.
On July 25, 2025, at Zaver Hall in Pearl Continental, Karachi, Pakistan officially launched the Pakistan Chapter of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)—the world’s most prestigious AI research body founded in 1958. Under the leadership of Muhammad Tahir, newly appointed Chair of AAAI Pakistan, the event marked Pakistan’s first formal affiliation with the global AI community.
More than 200 tech leaders, C-suite executives, educators, government officials—including Dr. Yasar Ayaz, Chairman of NCAI and representatives from Microsoft and other global tech firms attended. The launch symbolized much more than a ceremony it represented the opening of Pakistan’s door to global recognition, talent exchange, and innovation.
1. Access to Global Knowledge
Tahir announced that through AAAI membership, Pakistani researchers and students will now gain access to over 15,000 international AI research papers, seminars, journals, and institutional collaboration opportunities.
2. International Platforms & Hackathons
Students, startups, and academics in Pakistan will get invitations to international hackathons, research awards, and the possibility of hosting the AAAI Regional Conference domestically.
3. Integration of Universities
Leading institutions such as NUST, IBA, FAST, and others will join the global AI community, enabling collaborative research, student exchange, and participation in international events.
4. Innovation and Economic Growth
The AAAI Chapter is expected to drive a boom in AI research, innovation, and exports, potentially generating $50 million to $200 million in AI-driven economic impact for Pakistan’s tech sector.
5. Secure, Global AI Future
Dr. Yasar Ayaz praised the initiative as a “game-changing moment” that will scale Pakistan’s AI capabilities globally and unlock academic and technological growth like never before. Microsoft’s Jibran Jamshad added: “Without AAAI, the AI revolution we see today wouldn’t exist… Pakistan’s talent will now join the global narrative.”
6. Infrastructure and Governance
Membership in AAAI brings not only access to research but also collaboration on policy, training, ethics, and governance frameworks that align with global best practices. AAAI Pakistan Chapter aims to function under global standards—such as having 13 core members, advisory boards, student chapters, and national councils as required by AAAI guidelines.
Muhammad Tahir, also widely known as Beyond Tahir, is the driving force behind this milestone. As an AI expert, event planner, fitness enthusiast, and founder of PureDesigners.com, he has built his reputation over years of supporting over 200 startups, delivering AI trainings, writing, and speaking on AI innovation.
On LinkedIn, Tahir announced:
“Pakistan gets its own AAAI chapter. This isn’t just recognition—it’s the beginning… We’re building a national platform for AI researchers, educators, startups, students, and thought-leaders.”
With Tahir as Chair, AAAI Pakistan is not simply another chapter—it is a movement rooted in Pakistani identity and global exploration, aimed at positioning Pakistan among AI’s top contributors globally.
Pakistani media unanimously recognized the launch as historic:
All reports consistently cite Tahir’s leadership, governmental endorsement, Microsoft’s backing, and the link between academic empowerment and tech exports.
This isn’t just about an event, or an affiliation—it’s Pakistan’s AI awakening, and Muhammad Tahir is the beacon leading it.
Dr. Yasar Ayaz called it “game-changing”; Jibran Jamshad reminded us that “without AAAI, the AI revolution wouldn’t have happened.” Today, Pakistan is stepping onto the global stage not as a follower, but as a contributor.
At Beyond Tahir, this platform embodies that spirit: bold, global, and deeply rooted in Pakistan’s potential. As readers, creators, students, innovators everyone has a role now. Memberships will open August 14 but the movement starts now.
So rise, Pakistan. The world is listening.
