KARACHI: Pakistan has emerged among the top five global users of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, with its rapid adoption reshaping jobs and the economy while sparking calls for ethical guidelines and policy frameworks.
A recent survey published by the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society ranked Pakistan fourth worldwide for utilising AI tools and applications, based on a study across 21 countries. The findings highlight that Pakistanis hold a largely positive outlook on AI, with adoption growing at a pace that is influencing work patterns, business operations, and societal expectations. According to the survey, India topped the list, with 43% of respondents expressing a “very positive” view of AI, followed by Kenya (29%), Brazil (27%), and Pakistan (26%). Among Pakistani respondents, 39% described AI as fairly positive, 22% remained neutral, while only 13% viewed it negatively to varying degrees.
The report suggests that emerging economies such as Pakistan are more optimistic about the role of AI due to expectations of job creation, economic advancement, and improved delivery of public services. However, the rapid deployment of AI technologies is also raising concerns about its displacement of jobs in IT and service sectors. Industry observations indicate that businesses are beginning to rely more heavily on AI tools, which in some cases has resulted in reduced hiring, particularly for roles that can be automated. At the same time, questions are emerging over whether heavy dependence on AI may affect critical thinking and creativity in the workforce.
By contrast, advanced economies reported the highest levels of scepticism. In the United States, France, and Australia, respondents expressed stronger negative sentiment, with 34% of US participants viewing AI in either a fairly or very negative light. Analysts attribute this to political divides, rising concerns around misinformation, and fears of job loss in high-skilled, white-collar industries. This divergence underscores a global split, where developing nations see AI as an opportunity for growth, while developed nations remain cautious about its risks.
Pakistan’s interest in AI has also been reflected at international forums. During a recent UNESCO dialogue titled AI for Humanity: Ethical and Inclusive AI in Pakistan, stakeholders from private sector organisations, academia, and civil society explored the country’s AI innovation ecosystem under the National AI Policy. The discussion emphasised the importance of ethical and inclusive frameworks to ensure AI adoption benefits society broadly rather than deepening inequalities.
With more than 146 million broadband users, Pakistan’s digital ecosystem provides fertile ground for widespread AI adoption. Industry surveys, including one by P@SHA, point to a trend where companies are automating tasks, reducing reliance on human labour in certain areas, and reshaping traditional hiring practices. While AI promises efficiency and cost-effectiveness, these developments raise pressing questions about skills development, workforce readiness, and long-term societal impacts.
Pakistan’s ranking among the top global AI users underscores both its potential and the challenges ahead. As adoption accelerates, balancing innovation with responsible governance will be essential to harnessing the benefits of AI while addressing its economic and social trade-offs.
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