Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) is hosting a seminar examining how artificial intelligence has transformed economies and societies and what this shift means for Pakistan’s future. Scheduled for September 10, 2025, at 12:00 PM (PKT), the event titled “The Macroeconomics of AI: Looking Back from 2035” will take place at the Kashmir Institute of Economics, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir in Muzaffarabad. The session is part of PIDE’s Macro Policy Lab initiative aimed at generating evidence-based dialogue on economic and policy challenges.
The seminar will be delivered by Dr. Nasir Iqbal, Registrar and Associate Professor at PIDE, who will explore the question of whether Pakistan in 2035 will be a creator of artificial intelligence technologies or primarily a consumer of systems developed elsewhere. Dr. Iqbal will lead participants on a retrospective journey into how AI reshaped economic growth, job markets, and inequality, drawing lessons for Pakistan today. By examining trends from an imagined 2035 vantage point, the session intends to help policymakers, researchers, and the public understand what it will take to position the country as an active participant in the development of cutting-edge technologies rather than a passive adopter.
The focus on macroeconomics underscores the far-reaching impact of AI beyond technology sectors, touching on productivity, labor market dynamics, and the distribution of wealth and opportunity. According to PIDE, the event will bring together academics, students, and professionals to discuss how Pakistan can address policy, regulatory, and institutional challenges associated with AI adoption and innovation. This dialogue reflects increasing interest within the country’s academic and policy circles about the intersection of digital transformation, economic development, and social equity.
Organizers at PIDE emphasize that understanding the macroeconomic implications of AI is essential for crafting strategies that can benefit Pakistan’s workforce and industries. With AI already influencing global value chains, trade patterns, and the nature of employment, Pakistan faces critical decisions about investment in research, education, and skills to ensure it can leverage opportunities while managing risks. The seminar at the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir offers a platform for informed discussion on these issues and encourages stakeholders to think about the practical steps required to integrate AI into economic planning.
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