Mohsin Durrani

Is Pakistan ready for an artificial intelligence future?

As we continue to advance into the 21st century, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives is becoming increasingly important. From smart phones and home assistants to self-driving cars and medical technology, AI is rapidly transforming the way we live and work. It is no exaggeration that AI is the future and countries that are able to harness its power and potential will be at the forefront of this new technological revolution. The technology is quickly becoming a critical aspect of our daily lives and is poised to play a major role in shaping the future. It is already being used in a wide range of applications, from helping doctors diagnose diseases to making our daily tasks more efficient. As with many developing countries, Pakistan is facing a pivotal moment in its history with regards to the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence technology, where some believe that the country is well-positioned to take advantage of the potential benefits of AI.
Unfortunately, Pakistan has been slow in the race for AI supremacy. Despite its large population and abundance of natural resources, the country has lagged behind other nations in the development and adoption of AI technology. This is a major concern for Pakistan’s future, as the country risks being left behind in the global economy if it doesn’t make a concerted effort to cope up with the rest of the world. However, in order to remain competitive in a rapidly-changing global economy, it is crucial that Pakistan catches up quickly. One of the main factors that has some experts optimistic about Pakistan’s potential for success with AI is the country’s large and growing population of young people. With more than 60 percent of its population under the age of 30, Pakistan has a significant pool of potential talent that could be trained and utilised in the development and deployment of AI technology. In addition, the country has made significant investments in education and training in recent years that has led to an increase in the number of graduates with skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

One of the biggest challenges facing Pakistan is the lack of investment in research and development. AI technology is incredibly complex and requires a significant number of resources and expertise to develop. Many countries around the world, including the United States and China, are investing heavily in AI research, with some estimates suggesting that the global AI market will be worth over $190 billion by 2025. Another factor that could help Pakistan successfully integrate AI into its economy and society is its strong and growing IT sector. Pakistan has a vibrant tech community and is home to a number of successful start-ups and established tech companies. These companies are already working on a variety of AI-related projects, and could serve as a crucial bridge between the academia and industry as the country looks to develop its own AI capabilities.

Pakistan has been slow to invest in AI research and development. In fact, according to a recent study by the Pakistan Software Export Board, the country only spent 0.5 percent of its GDP on research and development in 2018, compared to the global average of 2.2 percent. This lack of investment has hindered Pakistan’s ability to develop and implement advanced AI technologies, leaving it at a disadvantage compared to other countries. Several challenges which Pakistan will need to overcome if it is to fully realise the potential benefits of AI. One of the most significant of these is the need to address the country’s chronic power shortages and unreliable electricity supply. AI technology relies heavily on access to reliable and affordable electricity, and without this it will be difficult for Pakistan to develop and deploy AI solutions on a large scale. Perhaps the most significant challenge facing Pakistan with regards to AI is the need to address the country’s chronic lack of access to high-speed internet. In order to fully take advantage of the potential benefits of AI, Pakistan will need to improve its internet infrastructure and increase the number of people with access to high-speed internet. This will require significant investment and commitment from the government and the private sector.

Another major challenge facing Pakistan in its quest to catch up with the global AI race is the lack of skilled workers. Developing and implementing AI technology requires a highly trained and skilled workforce, and unfortunately, Pakistan has a shortage of workers with the necessary expertise. This is partly due to the lack of investment in education and training, as well as the lack of focus on STEM subjects in schools. However, as technology continues to advance and becomes more integral to the global economy, it is crucial that Pakistan gears up to remain competitive. In addition to its potential for automation, AI also has the ability to analyse large amounts of data quickly and accurately. This allows for better decision-making and can lead to improved outcomes in a wide range of fields, from healthcare to finance.

Furthermore, many of Pakistan’s most talented and skilled workers are leaving the country to seek better opportunities abroad. This brain drain is a major concern for the country’s future, as it means that Pakistan is losing its best and brightest to other nations, leaving a void in its workforce. This, in turn, is hindering Pakistan’s ability to develop and implement advanced AI technologies, further exacerbating the country’s disadvantage.

However, despite these challenges there are signs that Pakistan is managing to be in the global AI race. The government has recently announced a number of initiatives aimed at boosting investment in research and development, as well as providing support for start-ups and entrepreneurs working in the AI field. Additionally, the government has also made efforts to improve education and training. Pakistan must form partnerships with other countries and companies that are at the forefront of AI development as this can provide access to expertise and resources that can help the country develop its own AI capabilities. Additionally, partnerships can also provide opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and ideas which in turn can help drive innovation and progress in the field.

Furthermore, Pakistan has a number of strategic advantages. For example, the country is located at the crossroads of South Asia and the Middle East, making it a strategic hub for the development and implementation of AI technologies. It also has a number of key partnerships with other countries, including China, Russia and Japan.

Pakistan has been slow to adopt the technology, but in order to remain competitive in a rapidly-changing global economy, it is crucial that the country catches up quickly. This can be achieved through investments in research and development, as well as partnerships with other countries and companies which are at the forefront of AI development. By embracing AI, Pakistan has the potential to improve productivity, efficiency, and decision-making across a wide range of fields, positioning the country for a successful future.

Pakistan has been slow to adopt the technology, but in order to remain competitive in a rapidly-changing global economy, it is crucial that the country catches up quickly. By embracing AI, Pakistan has the potential to improve productivity, efficiency, and decision-making across a wide range of fields, positioning the country for a successful future.

The writer is an international and regional affairs analyst