AI revolution with guard rails

The appointment of Diella, an AI-powered digital assistant, as Albania's first "virtually created" cabinet minister signals how far the world has travelled in the realm of artificial intelligence. Diella's task is functional. By overseeing public procurement, one of the most corruption-prone sectors in governance, Albania hopes to strip away human bias and vested interests from tendering processes.

Globally, countries are increasingly utilising AI technology to reimagine governance and accountability. From Singapore's smart nation initiatives to Estonia's e-governance models, the promise of AI lies in its ability to deliver with speed and consistency — qualities governments often struggle to guarantee. Yet, with these opportunities come profound risks. Without strong guard rails, AI in governance could lead to surveillance excesses and algorithmic biases, where unelected machines make decisions with little room for public contestation.

The challenge, therefore, is not whether AI should enter governance, but under what conditions it should operate. For Pakistan, the Albanian example offers both inspiration and caution. Our tendering and procurement systems remain riddled with inefficiencies and, too often, allegations of graft. Billions are lost each year due to irregularities that weaken public trust and drain scarce resources.

Deploying AI tools to monitor and manage such processes could significantly reduce room for manipulation. Imagine an automated system that objectively evaluates bids for infrastructure projects or health procurement contracts — Pakistan could save both money and credibility.

The AI revolution is inevitable, but whether it becomes a tool for transparency or a weapon of exploitation depends on how societies choose to regulate it. Albania may have taken the first daring leap, but Pakistan should proceed with caution — embracing innovation, yes, but with adequate guard rails firmly in place.