Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb declared Tuesday that artificial intelligence has become central to Pakistan’s drive for improved governance, stronger tax administration, and evidence-based policymaking.
Speaking at the National AI Workshop’s panel on “AI for Public Service Transformation,” Aurangzeb emphasized Pakistan must focus on practical, measurable solutions rather than technology for its own sake. The nation’s approach prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and productivity gains suited to its economic realities.
AI-enabled systems are already transforming tax compliance and enforcement through the government’s comprehensive reform agenda. Customer relationship management platforms, production monitoring tools, risk-based compliance mechanisms, and faceless processes are reducing leakages while curbing corruption by limiting discretionary human intervention.
“These interventions deliver tangible fiscal gains impossible through manual processes alone,” Aurangzeb stated.
The minister highlighted the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority’s establishment as proof of government commitment to managing digital asset risks while integrating emerging technologies into the formal economy—essential for financial stability and unlocking economic potential.
Aurangzeb stressed investing in human capital to position Pakistani youth for higher-value global technology opportunities. Technologies like blockchain and data analytics could drive productivity-led growth and expand incomes.
While AI offers significant opportunities in revenue mobilization, public service delivery, climate management, and population governance, Aurangzeb cautioned success requires clear policy direction, institutional readiness, and coordinated whole-of-government digital transformation.
Federal ministers for climate change, information technology, and planning also attended the session.
