Experts at a recent webinar underscored the critical need to integrate technology into Pakistan’s education sector, warning that those who fail to adapt will be left behind in the rapidly evolving global landscape. The event, organized by Alliance Pakistan, brought together university professors, school and college educators, IT specialists, and policymakers to discuss both the opportunities and challenges posed by technological advancements, particularly the role of AI in academia.
Dr. Asad Munir from Allama Iqbal Open University described AI as a “half-cooked recipe,” highlighting that while it has ushered in a new era of learning, many of its aspects remain experimental. He pointed out a troubling trend in Pakistan, where students are misusing AI tools for plagiarism rather than productive learning. In response to this challenge, he announced that Allama Iqbal Open University is developing a system to detect and prevent the submission of copied assignments. Furthermore, he noted that high-quality AI tools remain inaccessible to many due to their high costs, while those available in Pakistan often carry ideological and cultural biases from their countries of origin. He stressed that until Pakistan develops its own AI technologies, the country will remain dependent on external sources, limiting its control over digital learning frameworks.
Dr. Shahida Kiani, an Early Childhood Education Expert at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the positive impact of AI on teaching. She explained that AI has significantly eased the burden of non-teaching tasks, allowing educators to focus more on student engagement and instructional quality. However, she stressed the importance of structured training programs to equip teachers and students with the skills needed to utilize AI responsibly.
Education specialist Dr. Sher Ali cautioned against the unintended consequences of technology. He pointed out that while AI and digital tools have made learning more accessible, they have also contributed to a decline in students’ and teachers’ willingness to engage in rigorous academic work. “Technology has made learning easier, but it has also reduced the effort students and teachers put into academic work,” he remarked, warning against over-reliance on AI-driven solutions.
IT specialist Muhammad Kashif voiced concerns over the way technology is shaping societal behavior, stating, “We were supposed to use technology, but unfortunately, technology is using us.” He highlighted that many students and teachers lack access to basic digital devices required for online learning, further exacerbating the digital divide. He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s use of AI tools, cautioning against unrestricted access, which could lead to academic dishonesty or an overdependence on automation.
Another expert, Mazhar Malik, called for the expansion of technological resources to underprivileged regions. He acknowledged that while challenges in AI integration will be resolved over time, policymakers must take immediate steps to ensure equitable access to digital education. Without a targeted approach, students in rural and economically disadvantaged areas risk being left behind in an increasingly tech-driven educational environment.
The session concluded with remarks from Dr. Tariq Khan, Convener of Alliance Pakistan, who described the current era as one of “Techno-Feudalism and Techno-Capitalism,” where global competition is increasingly dictated by technological capabilities. He emphasized that Pakistan must integrate technology at the grassroots level to keep pace with global education standards. “Our curriculum, teaching methods, and grading systems must align with modern technology to ensure global competitiveness,” he stated, calling for a national strategy to incorporate AI and digital tools into all levels of education.
Several other speakers, including educationist Saima Awan and journalists Shabbir Hussain and Husna Khattak, also shared their insights on the transformative potential of AI in education. The webinar served as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s education sector, reinforcing the need for immediate action to harness technology’s power while mitigating its risks.
