Transformational impact of AI

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning continue to impact the future of humanity across every industry. AI is already the engine behind several emerging technologies such as self-driving cars, humanoid robots and real-time language translation. Machine learning is increasingly being used for drug discovery and identifying new environmentally benign materials for the electronics manufacturing industry. AI is truly triggering a quantum jump in multiple fields of technology.

Generative AI models such as ChatGPT have fueled the use and popularity of AI, with many companies now adopting AI to increase automation in their business operations. CEOs of many firms, included in Fortune 100 Best Companies, are now claiming that before the end of this year AI will be able to replace a mid-level software engineer in their companies. It is estimated that within 5 years AI agents will be able to outperform their human counterparts in multiple fields - from engineering to law and medicine. How humanity will adjust to these phenomenal changes and still be able to retain control over events will remain its greatest challenge.

In the AI Action Summit at Paris, France held on 11th February 2025, world leaders and tech entrepreneurs worked on mapping out a vision for the future of AI which focused on the benefits whilst guarding against the pitfalls as against previous such summits held in London and Seoul where the emphasis was more on the safety and external risks arising due to AI.

This highlights the growing competition among various nations, as they jostle to be the first to harness the rewards and advantages arising with increased AI adoption. In the recent summit there was a push towards deregulation and cutting of red tape, increased financial investment in key sectors like manufacturing, energy and defence. Most summit participants - excluding the US and the UK - also signed a declaration on the development of inclusive and sustainable AI, which stated that this technology should have a positive impact on labour force and should align with environmental and social governance. It remains to be seen how it could be realised.

Despite the excitement surrounding the growth of this new technology, the potential disruption it can cause to the existing labour markets cannot be understated, as increased automation of repetitive tasks especially in areas with low skilled roles could lead to job losses in roles such as data entry, customer service and assembly lines. A report by investment bank, Goldman Sachs also finds that AI could have the ability to replace the equivalent of 300 million full time jobs but may also mean new jobs and productivity boom. But obviously those countries with a higher level of education standards and more advance and sophisticated industrial and technological infrastructure are better placed to benefit from these revolutionary developments. It is not clear if Pakistan's political leadership is taking any concrete steps in governance to upgrade human resource compatible to cope with these challenges. There is hardly any serious discussion in the media on this particular aspect, although media itself will be greatly impacted by these developments.

The US, China, European countries, Japan, South Korea, India, Latin America and a few others are fast adapting to benefit from these developments. Pakistan has been rather slow and its leadership has not given the attention and priority it deserves.

The government has launched an initiative "Digital Pakistan Vision" to promote AI and other digital technologies. To prosper in the age of AI and harness its potential, Pakistan will need to take several strategic steps. Pakistan, for example, will need to develop a national AI policy framework with concrete goals, priorities and definitive timelines for:

1) Investment in AI education and talent development to build a skilled workforce and to educate the public about the benefits and risks of AI. AI-driven educational platforms are offering personalised learning experiences, adapting to the individual needs of education. Additionally, AI is streamlining administrative task, allowing educators to focus more on teaching.

2) Adoption of AI across healthcare, education and governance to improve efficiency and performance. AI is being used to improve diagnostic accuracy and personalise treatment plans. For example, AI algorithms can analyse medical images to detect diseases such as cancer at an early stage. AI-powered telemedicine platforms are providing remote healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas.

3) Encouraging public-private partnership to share resources and talent. This is a powerful strategy to drive innovation, economic growth and societal development. PPPs can bridge gaps between government capabilities and private sector expertise, fostering collaboration that benefits both parties and society at large.

4) Enabling international collaboration to access cutting-edge AI technologies and expertise crucial for accelerating innovation, addressing global challenges and ensuring equitable access to AI advancements. By fostering cross-border partnerships, countries can pool resources, share knowledge and leverage each other's strengths to drive progress in AI.

5) Ensuring equitable access to AI apps such as ChatGPT to reduce widening inequalities and ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared by all. Without deliberate efforts, AI technologies risk exacerbating disparities between developed and developing regions, urban and rural areas, and different socioeconomic groups.

5) Reskilling/Upskilling workers in AI-impacted industries. These steps will help Pakistan stay relevant and be in a position to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve public services and address societal challenges.

The transformational impact of AI in agriculture is profound, revolutionising traditional farming practices and addressing critical challenges such as food security, resource efficiency and climate change. In agriculture, AI technologies are being employed to optimise farming practice, improve crop yields and reduce resource consumption. In supply chain management, AI is enhancing the efficiency of agricultural supply chains from production to distribution.

Overall, AI is poised to bring about significant economic and social transformation in Pakistan and the Middle East, provided that challenges are effectively managed and the opportunities are fully leveraged. Ultimately, AI has the potential to create a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future, provided its development is guided by collaboration, transparency and ethical principles.