Abdullah Kamran
In the 21st century, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies, revolutionizing numerous sectors globally. From healthcare and education to agriculture and transportation, AI has proven its potential in reshaping industries and improving the quality of human life. In Pakistan, however, despite notable initiatives, AI’s full potential remains untapped. While the government has embarked on ambitious AI projects, the country’s education system and broader economic landscape pose significant obstacles to the realization of AI’s true benefits. The gap between global advancements and local implementation in AI underscores the urgent need for reform and strategic action.
The National Task Force on Science and Technology, along with the Task Force on Technology Driven Knowledge Economy, has been instrumental in spearheading several national projects in the AI field. Pakistan is establishing a major Centre of Artificial Intelligence at the Pak Austrian Fachhochschule (University of Applied Science and Engineering) in Haripur Hazara, funded by a billion-rupee grant from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications. Additionally, another AI-focused centre is being set up at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences at the University of Karachi, aimed at exploring AI’s applications in health sciences. Furthermore, the government has approved a Rs13 billion project for manpower development in emerging fields like AI, and a Rs40 billion project to create a Network of Centres of Artificial Intelligence is under review.
These efforts, while commendable, represent only the beginning of what should be a much broader and deeper integration of AI across Pakistan’s various sectors. Despite these significant investments, the broader question remains: can Pakistan capitalize on AI’s potential in a way that leads to tangible benefits for its citizens and economy? While the government’s initiatives demonstrate a positive shift, the nation’s broader infrastructural, educational, and economic challenges continue to impede meaningful progress.
One of the key sectors where AI has shown substantial promise is healthcare. AI’s role in revolutionizing healthcare cannot be overstated. Machine learning algorithms are now being used to analyze complex datasets, including medical imaging, genomic sequences, and patient history, to offer highly accurate diagnoses. AI systems like IBM Watson Health assist oncologists in diagnosing and treating cancer by analyzing vast amounts of medical research and clinical data. AI-driven surgical robots, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, enable more precise and minimally invasive surgeries, reducing recovery times and enhancing patient outcomes. Wearable devices, powered by AI, monitor health conditions in real-time, offering early detection and proactive management of chronic diseases.
Despite these advancements in the global healthcare sector, Pakistan has yet to fully harness the power of AI in healthcare. While initiatives such as the AI centre in Karachi may provide a starting point, the lack of widespread infrastructure and trained professionals poses a significant barrier to effective implementation. Moreover, the country’s existing healthcare system, which is already burdened by inadequate resources and access issues, is unlikely to fully benefit from AI unless structural changes are made to improve accessibility and infrastructure.
Education, another critical area of development, is undergoing a transformation globally thanks to AI. Platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera use AI to offer personalized learning experiences, adjusting lessons to suit individual learning paces and styles. Language processing tools such as Grammarly and Duolingo have made language learning more interactive and accessible. The integration of AI in educational technology has not only led to improved student engagement but has also helped democratize education, making it accessible to millions globally.
However, Pakistan’s education system lags behind in adapting to these changes. Despite some positive developments in higher education, the overall system struggles to provide adequate training in emerging technologies like AI. In rural and underserved areas, access to high-quality education remains limited. The integration of AI into the education system would require a concerted effort to revamp the curriculum, invest in teacher training, and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place.
AI is also having a profound impact on transportation, particularly with the advent of autonomous vehicles. AI systems used in self-driving cars, such as Tesla’s Autopilot and Waymo, aim to reduce human error, which is a major cause of traffic accidents. These innovations not only promise to make roads safer but also have the potential to revolutionize the global transportation industry. In 2023, Tesla’s revenues surged to $85 billion, largely driven by its advancements in AI technologies and autonomous driving features. Similarly, AI is transforming manufacturing industries by automating tasks, enhancing productivity, and reducing operational costs.
Pakistan’s transportation sector could benefit significantly from AI-driven innovations, particularly in urban planning and traffic management. However, the country’s reliance on traditional infrastructure and outdated systems presents a significant challenge. Without substantial investment in modern infrastructure and AI-based solutions, the transportation sector will remain bogged down in inefficiencies.
In agriculture, AI has already started to transform traditional farming practices. Precision farming, powered by AI, helps farmers analyze soil health, weather patterns, and crop conditions, enabling them to optimize resource use and improve yields. AI-powered drones and robots automate tasks like planting, weeding, and harvesting, reducing the need for manual labor. Companies like John Deere, with their AI-driven farming tools, are at the forefront of this agricultural revolution. However, Pakistan’s agricultural sector remains largely traditional, with limited access to advanced technologies. AI’s impact on agriculture could be monumental if the government prioritizes investment in AI-driven farming solutions and provides farmers with the necessary tools and training to integrate these technologies.
The financial sector is another area where AI has brought about significant change. AI is revolutionizing risk management, fraud detection, and personalized financial services. Robo-advisors, such as Betterment and Wealthfront, use AI to provide personalized investment advice based on individual goals and risk tolerance. Similarly, AI is enhancing compliance processes, including anti-money laundering and KYC verifications, making the financial system more secure and efficient. Major financial institutions, such as JPMorgan Chase, have reported significant savings and operational improvements due to AI integration.
Pakistan’s financial sector, however, remains underdeveloped in terms of AI adoption. Banks and financial institutions must invest in AI technologies to improve efficiency and meet the needs of a growing digital economy. The integration of AI into the financial sector could help Pakistan improve financial inclusion, combat fraud, and foster economic growth.
While the potential for AI to transform Pakistan’s economy is immense, the country’s economic difficulties are deeply rooted in its failure to capitalize on disruptive innovations. Pakistan’s economy remains heavily reliant on natural resources, and the education system has not adequately prepared the workforce for the demands of a technology-driven knowledge economy. To break free from the cycle of stagnation and debt, Pakistan must shift its focus towards high-value-added industries such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and IT products.
A critical shift in leadership is necessary for Pakistan to harness the full potential of AI. The country needs a technocratic democracy, where leaders in key government positions are not only politically competent but also technologically proficient. Pakistan’s ministers, secretaries, and heads of institutions must be experts in their respective fields to effectively navigate the complex landscape of technological advancement.
In conclusion, while Pakistan has made strides in AI development, it remains a long way from fully capitalizing on the opportunities AI offers. The country must prioritize education reform, invest in infrastructure, and foster an environment conducive to innovation. AI has the potential to be the cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic revival, but this requires visionary leadership and a deep commitment to integrating AI into every facet of society. Without this, Pakistan risks falling behind in the global race towards technological advancement and economic prosperity.
