Experts highlight risks of job displacement and weakened critical thinking as AI adoption accelerates across Pakistan.
Pakistan Ranks Among Top 5 in Global AI Tool Usage
Pakistan has emerged as one of the world’s leading adopters of Artificial Intelligence (AI), ranking fourth globally in AI tool usage, according to a recent survey by the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society. Based on data from 21 countries, the survey revealed a rapidly growing interest in AI across Pakistan, driven by optimism around economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation.
India topped the list with the highest percentage of respondents (43%) expressing a “very positive” outlook on AI. Kenya (29%), Brazil (27%), and Pakistan (26%) followed closely behind. In Pakistan specifically, 39% of respondents viewed AI tools as “fairly positive,” 22% were neutral, while 13% held negative opinions.
While the country shows strong enthusiasm for AI, experts and industry leaders are raising alarms over the lack of ethical guidelines, regulatory oversight, and critical digital infrastructure, warning that unchecked AI expansion could lead to job losses, social disruption, and a decline in analytical skills among workers overly dependent on automation.
Experts Warn of Risks: Job Cuts, Ethical Gaps, and Over-Reliance on AI
Despite the technology’s potential, AI’s rapid integration into the workplace is already affecting traditional employment structures. A recent P@SHA survey of local tech companies found that some firms are reducing hiring in areas where AI tools can replace human roles, particularly in IT support, content creation, and customer service.
At the CIO Global 200 Summit, Integration Xperts CEO Umair Azam warned that AI, while efficient, can undermine worker credibility and weaken critical thinking. He called for the development of “AI champions” within organisations and the establishment of strong governance policies to guide ethical AI deployment.
Meanwhile, Mehwish Salman Ali, Co-Founder of Pakistan’s indigenous chatbot Zahanat AI, emphasized the need for inclusive and ethical AI systems that reflect local values and languages. Speaking at the UNESCO dialogue “AI for Humanity”, she stressed the urgency of digital readiness, pointing out that without proper education and training, Pakistan’s population of 224 million could become a missed opportunity in the global tech race.
Growing Use of Local AI Tools and Urgency for Policy Intervention
Pakistan’s digital landscape, supported by over 146 million broadband users, presents enormous potential for AI-driven transformation. The creation of Zahanat AI, a locally developed chatbot available in regional languages, signals the country’s rising ambition in homegrown tech solutions. However, the absence of clear national policies and ethical standards has become a central concern among experts and civil society.
At the recent UNESCO roundtable, more than 25 stakeholders from academia, the private sector, civil society, and tech institutions gathered to discuss Pakistan’s National AI Policy. The dialogue focused on ensuring that AI development is inclusive, rights-based, and aligned with human-centric values.
While countries like the United States, France, and Australia show greater public scepticism toward AI—often linked to political tensions, misinformation fears, and job loss concerns—emerging economies like Pakistan remain largely optimistic. But experts warn that optimism must be matched with strong policy action, investment in digital literacy, and protection for vulnerable workers.
