Shabir Ahmed
Artificial Intelligence is expected to play a major role in shaping the future of Pakistan over the next decade. Experts believe that this technology will bring significant changes in important sectors such as healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education. If used wisely, AI can help improve services, increase productivity, and support national economic growth.
In the healthcare sector, AI can assist doctors in diagnosing diseases, analyzing medical images, and managing patient records more accurately and quickly. This can lead to better treatment decisions and improved patient care, especially in areas where medical specialists are limited.
In finance, AI systems can be used to detect fraud, assess credit risk, and provide customer support through automated assistants. These applications can make financial services more secure, efficient, and accessible to a larger population.
Agriculture can also benefit greatly from AI. Technologies such as crop yield prediction, smart irrigation systems, and early detection of pests and plant diseases can help farmers make better decisions. This can result in higher production, reduced losses, and more efficient use of water and fertilizers.
In education, AI-based learning platforms can personalize teaching according to the needs of individual students. Such systems can identify learning gaps, recommend suitable content, and support teachers in improving student performance.
To guide this transformation, Pakistan has introduced the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025. The policy aims to develop the country as a regional center for AI research and innovation. Its major goals include training a large number of skilled professionals, establishing centers of excellence, improving data infrastructure, and promoting collaboration with international institutions.
Despite these opportunities, several challenges remain. There is a shortage of trained experts in AI and data science. Digital infrastructure and data storage facilities need improvement. Issues related to data privacy, security, and ethical use of AI must also be addressed. Furthermore, strong cooperation between government, industry, and academic institutions is essential for successful implementation.
If these challenges are managed effectively, AI has the potential to make a substantial contribution to Pakistan’s economy. Some estimates suggest that it could increase national economic growth by a significant percentage by the year 2030, helping the country move towards a more knowledge-based and technology-driven future.
