ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND FUTURE OF PAKISTAN
About The Author
Captain H. Muhammad Ammar Alam was born in 1996 at Lahore. He
is a graduate of Government College University Lahore. He was
commissioned in 23 Engineer (Azad Kashmir) Regiment of Pakistan Army on
13 October 2018. The Officer has completed in Bachelors of Military Art &
Sciences from National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) in 2021.
Currently the author is pursuing his Bachelors in Civil Engineering from
Military college of Engineering.
Abstract
One of Pakistan's industries with the quickest growth rates, the Information Technology
(IT) sector has doubled over the past four to five years. In Pakistan, there are more than
2000 IT businesses and call centers, and the number is growing. Pakistan is depending
on the new tech zones to give the country's young a lot of work prospects. In Pakistan,
there is a significant demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and a broad range of
applications. The application of artificial intelligence in Pakistan has the potential to
completely transform a number of sectors in our nation. Numerous students presumably
choose artificial intelligence as their field of study each year. Artificial intelligence can aid
in decision-making by delivering accurate and current data and by enhancing decisionmaking processes. Despite the fact that artificial intelligence is still in its infancy in
Pakistan, studying it is one of the best choices a student can make.
The article aims to clarify the advantages and the future that the current Artificial
Intelligence offers.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, professional development, career, networking, Security
systems, Revolutionary era, Education field.
Introduction: Artificial intelligence is emerging as a substitute for human intelligence in
much the same way that social media, e-commerce, and mobile commerce have created
a virtual world. It is not intended to replace people, but rather to help them by providing a
virtual mind that has been designed to make things simpler. It represents a significant
advance in the world of software development. According to Statistical, the global AI
Software market share is expected to reach $126 billion by 2025 due to its ongoing
growth. Its applications include robotic process automation, machine learning, and natural
language processing. Its expanding use and demand have increased the range of
opportunities. Let's first define AI before examining its reach in both the global and
Pakistani digital spaces.
How can artificial intelligence be defined?
The replication of mortal intelligence functions by machines, particularly computer
systems, is known as artificial intelligence. It is the capacity of a digital computer system
or a robot operated by a computer to carry out functions typically performed by intelligent
beings. Several specialized applications make up artificial intelligence, including speech
recognition, expert systems, machine vision, and natural language processing.
In the era of AI, what professions are in demand?
A specific set of talents will be in great demand as AI develops further. These consist of:
Data analysis: Given the enormous amount of data that AI systems produce, it will be
essential to be able to evaluate and comprehend that data.
Machine Learning: A branch of AI that entails teaching algorithms to gain knowledge
from data is called machine learning. As more businesses implement AI, there will be a
growing need for this expertise.
Programming: To create and maintain AI systems, programmers will be required.
Creativity: Creative jobs, like marketing or graphic design, will be more resistant to
automation.
Emotional Intelligence: As computers take over routine activities, occupations that call
for interpersonal connection and emotional intelligence, such as healthcare, etc., will
become more and more in demand.
The work economy is anticipated to be significantly impacted by the development of
artificial intelligence. While automation will result in some job losses, it will also open up
new employment prospects. In order to compete in the job market in the age of artificial
intelligence, it will be critical for people to learn the talents that are in demand. People can
get ready for the future of work by comprehending how AI will affect the labor market and
acquiring the appropriate skills. The way we work and live will continue to change as a
result of AI, thus it is up to us to stay aware and adjust.
AI's Place in Cybersecurity
Cyber systems' usage in contemporary enterprises and infrastructure requirements has
increased due to their ongoing growth and evolution. There are now numerous large
computer networks in use, serving a variety of purposes from nuclear power reactors to
water filtration facilities. It is noteworthy that the extensive computerization has improved
coordination between various fundamental facility nodes. This phenomenon is not just
present in governmental institutions; it also shows up in interactions between private
enterprises and businesses. A complex ecosystem with a wide range of demands and
potential threats develops as a result of the communication and coordination between
such a huge number of diverse networks. Internal decision-making and quick response
to cyber threats can be ensured by including AI-based components in the form of an
autonomous cognitive entity. To immediately identify malicious activity and launch a
counterattack, these components are made to be decentralized and interactive. The
Artificial Immune Systems (AIS) are one type of model that includes AI in its function. The
AIS observes the implantation of counterattack and detection agents. Detection agents'
job is to keep an eye on network and system activity for any anomalies. When one is
found, counter-attacking agents are called upon to penetrate the attacking system and
launch a counterattack.
Without any human intervention, the entire detection and counterattack process is carried
out automatically. This indicates that compared to the conventional way of detection and
reaction, the system's response to cyber threats is far more cogent and effective.
Influence on the labor market
Many tasks that have traditionally been carried out by humans could be automated by AI.
Jobs in sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and retail are included in this. It is
anticipated that more jobs will be mechanized as AI technology advances, significantly
altering the work market.While automation will make certain employment obsolete,
artificial intelligence will also open up new job prospects. For instance, there will be an
increase in demand for people with machine learning and data analytic skills. A further
requirement will be for those with the ability to design, create, and maintain AI systems.
AI in HR
In order to support hiring, screening, onboarding, and other aspects of human resource
management, the majority of the organization has been using artificial intelligence or
digital technologies like chatbots, machine learning, and robot process automation. With
time, the dynamics of artificial intelligence entrepreneurship are evolving.
Getting Ready for the Work of Tomorrow
Although the effects of AI on the labor market are still unknown, it is obvious that workers
must get ready for the upcoming changes. To get ready for the workplace of the future,
try these strategies:
Upskilling: Employees should think about acquiring new, in-demand skills. This can
entail having knowledge of cybersecurity, data analysis, and programming.
Maintain Your Flexibility: As the employment market develops, workers should be ready
to adapt to new job roles and industries. This can entail picking up new abilities or being
receptive to career prospects.
Accept Lifelong Learning: Given the rapid advancement of technology, workers must
accept lifelong learning.
The Situation of AI in Pakistan Right Now
Pakistan has had tremendous advancements in AI recently. Realizing the value of AI, the
public, business, and academic sectors all take action. To coordinate artificial intelligence
operations across the nation, the government of Pakistan, for instance, established the
National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI).
To strengthen the effectiveness of AI, expand its operations, and provide creative
solutions, the commercial sector in Pakistan is investing in AI-driven technology.
Additionally, Pakistani Universities and Research Institutes are actively participating in AI
research through partnerships with international organizations and the organization of
several workshops and conferences to promote innovation.
What is Pakistan's AI market size?
The future of artificial intelligence is quite bright and in high demand in Pakistan, so if
anyone is thinking about pursuing a career in this area but is concerned about the
prospects for employment, it shouldn't be. There is a tremendous need for artificial
intelligence specialists in Pakistan as several startups there are currently working on
building solutions and products based on AI. Many different businesses, industries,
healthcare fields, educational systems, and transportation systems use artificial
intelligence. Numerous firms in Pakistan are constantly searching for exceptional people
who can take them to the next level.
One of the best decisions one can make is to pursue a degree in artificial intelligence
because it will provide access to a wide range of employment options with competitive
pay and a promising future. Therefore, Pakistan has a significant demand for, and interest
in, artificial intelligence.
Future AI Prospects
It's easier said than done to achieve artificial intelligence (AI), a machine's capacity to
exhibit intelligence comparable to that of humans. However, the question that arises is
whether it will be "nine days wonder or a dead loss".
It is stated that AI will pave the way for the future. It has significantly aided in the economic
development of the world. AI has enormous promise in Pakistan and can be utilized to
address regional concerns with business, agriculture, government, and climate change.
In order to advance technology in this area, the Pakistani government founded the
National Centre of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) in 2018. The AI industry needs to be
developed further in Pakistan. Like every technology, artificial intelligence has both a
profitable and unprofitable side.
The actual application of AI shows both advantages in a range of human endeavors, such
as manufacturing or medical, and hazards related to job loss and unforeseeable effects
of AI progress. Since its introduction in 1956, this technology has seen a number of
changes, including pessimism about its potential and a lack of suitable hardware to
support AI's job.
Innovation is the stage of AI development in which new AI algorithms are now being
developed. Although it is true that AI has the capacity to automate some tasks currently
performed by people, it is unlikely that AI will ever completely replace humans. AI is made
to carry out particular jobs, frequently with a great degree of efficiency and precision, but
it lacks human traits like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Instead, AI is more likely to be a supplement to human aptitudes, allowing people to
concentrate on harder, higher-level jobs that call for imagination, hunches, and emotional
intelligence.
For instance, AI may handle routine activities in manufacturing like assembly or quality
control, freeing up human workers to concentrate on jobs that call for problem-solving
and judgment.
Additionally, the creation and application of AI are reliant on human judgment and control.
To ensure that AI systems are moral and in line with social values and priorities, humans
must design and train AI systems, as well as monitor and assess their results and impacts.
It's critical to remember that the creation and application of AI provide difficulties and
potential dangers. Concerns have been raised regarding how AI would affect jobs,
especially in industries like manufacturing and transportation. Concerns have also been
raised regarding the possibility that AI would worsen already-existing prejudices and
inequities, such as those found in hiring practices and criminal justice systems.
Policymakers, business executives, and other stakeholders must therefore address these
issues while leveraging the advantages of AI. This entails making investments in AI
research and development, ensuring that the workforce has the skills necessary to
collaborate with AI, and establishing a legal framework that encourages openness,
responsibility, and ethical usage of AI.
The potential for AI in Pakistan appears promising. The foundation for continued
development has been laid by the Pakistani government's Artificial Intelligence (AI)
research and development, partnerships with international organizations, and private
sector investments in AI technologies.
AI has the potential to revolutionize a number of areas in the nation, including increased
quality of life, efficient service delivery, and economic growth. Pakistan must continue to
be at the forefront of innovation as AI expands. Continued spending on research,
development, and teaching will be crucial to realizing AI's full potential and advancing
society.
AI's difficulties in Pakistan
Despite the advancements in AI, Pakistan still has unique problems. The accessibility and
caliber of the data represent one of the major obstacles. Large volumes of data are
required for AI systems to be trained and function properly. Infrastructure improvements
for data gathering and storage are being made in an effort to get around this obstacle.
The lack of qualified AI professionals is another issue. There is a lack of professionals
with knowledge of AI technologies. Universities and training facilities are addressing this
issue by offering AI-focused software and courses to support a skilled pool of AI
specialists. Adoption of AI-related ethical issues are also crucial. Pakistan is working to
establish standards, norms, and procedures to confirm the ethical and responsible use of
AI technologies.
Pakistan has opportunities
There are numerous prospects for AI application in Pakistan as well. AI has the potential
to transform numerous industries in Pakistan.
For instance:
AI helps medical professionals diagnose diseases, decipher diagnostic pictures, and
anticipate patient outcomes. Faster and more accurate diagnoses produced by this
technology result in better patient care.
With AI, Pakistan's agriculture industry is also growing day by day. Artificial intelligencepowered tools are being used to monitor soil conditions, increase crop yields, and forecast
weather patterns. These developments aid farmers in decision-making, increase output,
and reduce resource waste.
AI algorithms are utilized in the finance industry for fraud detection, risk assessment,
and customized consumer experiences.
AI is also being used in the field of education. To personalize learning experiences,
intelligent tutoring systems are being developed. It offers recommendations and
individualized feedback to students. In order to create immersive learning environments,
virtual and augmented reality technologies are being introduced into classrooms.
Security systems are another sector in Pakistan where AI is being used. For
administrative purposes, enhancing public safety, and helping law enforcement
agencies identify and apprehend offenders, facial recognition technologies, speech
synthesis, and video analytics tools are used.
Conclusion
Pakistan needs to make significant progress in this area before becoming a great nation.
Technological advances are particularly needed in a few industries, like healthcare and
agriculture. To maintain its competitiveness in the international economy, Pakistan needs
to formulate a national AI policy as soon as possible. In terms of using AI and benefiting
from the fourth industrial revolution, Pakistan already lags behind the rest of the globe. It
would be disastrous for the national effort to miss the AI wave.
Healthcare, agriculture, and banking are just a few of the areas in Pakistan that AI has
the power to drastically change. However, Pakistan is only just beginning to implement
AI, and there are still many obstacles to be addressed. The main challenges are a lack of
knowledge and comprehension of the technology and a dearth of qualified people. The
future of AI in Pakistan is bright, though, thanks to government initiatives and the nation's
growing fascination with technology.
While AI has the potential to drastically alter many facets of human behavior, it is doubtful
that humans will ever entirely be replaced by AI. Instead, AI is more likely to support
human abilities and skills, freeing people to concentrate on higher-order reasoning and
decision-making. To make sure that AI is created and used in a way that benefits all
members of society, it's crucial to address the potential risks and difficulties related to it.
In general, the effects of AI are favorable for socioeconomic development, particularly in
Pakistan.
Reference:
Ali, F. Exploring the future of AI in Pakistan: Challenges and opportunities, LinkedIn. Available
at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/exploring-future-ai-pakistan-challenges-opportunitiesfarhan-ali- (Accessed: 17 September 2023).
Ahmad, S. (2023) The future of AI ( Artificial Intelligence) in Pakistan, Medium. Available at:
https://saira-ahmad.medium.com/the-future-of-ai-artificial-intelligence-in-pakistanb3e298196a64 (Accessed: 17 September 2023).
iqbal, sana (2023) ‘Al and the future ’, The Nation, 21 May.