Dhaka: A report by Oxford Insights ranks Pakistan 8th out of 17 countries in South and Central Asia in terms of readiness to implement artificial intelligence (AI) in public services, trailing behind India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan's national AI policy, drafted in 2021, has faced criticism for its lack of comprehensive applications in various sectors.
According to Deutsche Welle, Natasha Uderani, co-founder of Data Darbar, emphasized the need for a stronger national strategy and more investment in AI-focused education in Pakistan. She highlighted the risks posed by AI tools in creating misleading content, which can fuel polarization and violence, particularly in the Global South.
An investigation by DRF revealed a network of YouTube channels using generative AI for visuals, misleadingly suggesting government affiliation. Channels like 'Pak Gov Update' have been identified as contributors to this trend. The DRF report questions YouTube's policies, citing an ecosystem of deceptive, monetized content.
Despite these challenges, AI-generated content has also opened up economic opportunities for individuals like Zubair, a young entrepreneur from Karachi. Zubair has significantly increased his income and established his own company by leveraging AI tools for content creation.
YouTube has updated its monetization policies to address AI-generated clickbait content, but critics argue that enforcement may be slow. Meanwhile, established content creators in Pakistan are investing in AI skills to enhance their business models.
Abrar ul-Hassan of Morango Films underscores the importance of ethical understanding alongside technical skills in AI upskilling. The French Development Agency recently ranked Pakistan as a "mid-level performer" in AI infrastructure and human capital readiness.
Yasar Ayaz, chairman of Pakistan's National Center of Artificial Intelligence, highlighted investment challenges in AI development. He suggested that initial investments could attract foreign investors and enhance Pakistan's AI deployment capabilities, particularly in exporting solutions to other low-income countries.