Pakistan is facing challenges in dealing with the opportunities and challenges brought by artificial intelligence (AI) due to weak digital infrastructure and limited institutional readiness, a report revealed. The adoption of AI tools, like ChatGPT, is increasing among educated youth and service-sector employees in the country. Businesses are also leveraging AI applications to enhance efficiency and cut costs.
Despite the rising trend in AI adoption, Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and policy framework are still underdeveloped, hindering the broader implementation and benefits of AI, as per the report. The outdated statistical systems, poor-quality data, and low digitization levels in Pakistan could potentially undermine AI-driven decision-making, which heavily relies on accurate and comprehensive datasets.
Experts highlighted the lack of reliable data on AI adoption among government agencies and businesses in Pakistan, making it challenging to evaluate the technology’s impact on productivity, employment, and economic growth. The existing labour surveys and official databases in the country are not equipped to track AI adoption effectively across industries or occupations that might be automated.
Private sector experts emphasized the uneven adoption of AI across industries in Pakistan. While some banks and large companies are investing in AI applications and talent, most businesses are yet to establish formal AI strategies. Strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing data governance, and promoting AI literacy among policymakers and businesses are crucial for Pakistan to stay competitive in the evolving global economy shaped by artificial intelligence.
