Embracing Gen AI to Fulfil Pakistan's Promise: Progress Through Innovation

The political landscape of British India in the early 20th century was shaped by colonial rule, nationalist fervor, and communal tensions. Amidst this complexity, the formation of the All-India Muslim League (AIML) in 1906 marked a pivotal moment for Muslims seeking a distinct political voice. The League’s objectives evolved over time—from advocating separate electorates to demanding a ‘separate states’ for Muslims—culminating in the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940. This resolution envisioned states where Muslims could live according to their religious, cultural, and political ideals.

However, while the creation of Pakistan in 1947 as one state fulfilled the dream of an independent homeland, the country has struggled to realize its full potential due to systemic failures, outdated governance structures, and economic stagnation.

Today, as Pakistan grapples with poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, it stands at a crossroads. To break free from backwardness and tread on the trajectory of progress, Pakistan must embrace transformative technologies like Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). By leveraging these tools, Pakistan can address longstanding challenges, foster inclusive growth, and fulfil the promise of its founding vision.

Historical Context: From Marginalization to Independence

The AIML emerged out of the fear that Muslims, as a minority community, would be marginalized in a united Hindu-majority India. Advocating for separate electorates, the League argued that such mechanisms were essential to protect Muslim interests and ensure fair representation. Over time, the demand for separate electorates morphed into the call for a separate Muslim state—a vision articulated in the Lahore Resolution of 1940.

However, achieving independence did not translate into sustainable development or equitable prosperity. Post-partition Pakistan inherited colonial-era administrative structures ill-suited to fostering democratic participation or addressing socio-economic disparities.

Instead of building a strong federation rooted in inclusivity, the new leadership perpetuated divisive policies that alienated various ethnic and regional groups. For instance, mishandling the language dispute in East Bengal sowed seeds of discontent that eventually led to the dismemberment of Pakistan in 1971.

Moreover, Pakistan’s bureaucratic elite stifled the growth of grassroots political movements, leaving governance in the hands of interest groups disconnected from the people. Decades later, this legacy persists, with millions trapped in abject poverty despite lofty promises of economic stabilization and growth.

Why Gen AI Offers Hope for Transformation

In the face of entrenched challenges, Pakistan needs bold solutions. Enter Generative AI, a revolutionary technology capable of transforming economies, societies, and governance systems. Unlike narrow applications of AI, Gen AI is designed to generate new content, solve complex problems, and simulate human-like reasoning across diverse domains. Its potential spans education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, and public policy—sectors critical to Pakistan’s development.

1. Revolutionizing Education

One of Pakistan’s most pressing issues is the lack of access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. According to UNESCO, nearly 22 million children are out of school, and literacy rates remain alarmingly low. Gen AI can help bridge this gap by creating personalized learning platforms tailored to individual needs.

Virtual tutors powered by AI can deliver high-quality instruction in Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, and other local languages, ensuring inclusivity. Additionally, AI-driven analytics can identify gaps in educational outcomes, enabling targeted interventions to improve learning outcomes.

2. Improving Healthcare Access

Pakistan faces severe shortages of medical professionals and infrastructure, especially in peripheral regions. Gen AI can revolutionize healthcare delivery through telemedicine platforms, diagnostic tools, and predictive models.

For example, AI algorithms can analyze symptoms reported by patients in remote villages and recommend treatments or connect them with specialists. Moreover, AI-powered drug discovery can accelerate the development of affordable medicines for diseases prevalent in Pakistan, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis.

3. Boosting Agricultural Productivity

Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, employing nearly 40% of the population. Yet, farmers struggle with outdated practices, water scarcity, and climate change. Gen AI can transform agriculture by providing real-time insights into crop health, weather patterns, and market prices. Smart irrigation systems powered by AI can optimize water usage, while predictive modeling can guide farmers on when to plant and harvest crops for maximum yield. These innovations can enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase incomes for rural households.

4. Strengthening Governance

Corruption, inefficiency, and lack of transparency have long plagued Pakistan’s governance system. Gen AI offers powerful tools to combat these issues. For instance, AI-driven data analysis can detect anomalies in public spending, helping to curb corruption. Chatbots and virtual assistants can streamline citizen services, making government more responsive and accessible. Furthermore, AI-powered simulations can model the impact of proposed policies, enabling evidence-based decision-making.

5. Fostering Economic Growth

Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio, one of the lowest in the world, highlights deep structural inefficiencies. Generative AI can help expand the tax base both horizontally and vertically—by increasing overall income levels and expanding the number of individuals who earn enough to pay taxes.

Additionally, AI can overhaul tax collection by automating processes, identifying non-compliance, and improving revenue forecasting. Moreover, AI can support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for a significant portion of employment but often struggle to access credit. Machine learning algorithms can assess creditworthiness using alternative data sources, unlocking financial opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs.

Addressing Poverty and Inequality

For generations, Pakistan’s poor have been left behind by trickle-down economics—an approach that has proven ineffective and dehumanizing. Metrics such as GDP growth and tax revenues mean little to those living in abject poverty. Instead, Pakistan requires a paradigm shift toward inclusive development, driven by technology.

Gen AI can play a central role in uplifting marginalized communities. For example:

• Skill Development: AI-powered training programs can equip workers with skills relevant to emerging industries, reducing unemployment.

• Affordable credit facilities: AI can facilitate microloans and provide affordable credit options to individuals, particularly women and other entrepreneurs, who need capital to invest and grow, thereby empowering them both economically and socially.

Intelligent Planning with AI:

• AI-powered technologies can significantly enhance living conditions in both rural areas and urban slums.

• These technologies can aid in efficient water harvesting and the development of new fuel and energy resources.

• AI can facilitate access to education, skill development, and vocational training, empowering individuals with better opportunities.

• It can also enhance awareness by providing crucial information on health, hygiene, and sustainable livelihood practices.

• Overall, AI-driven solutions can contribute to smarter resource management and improved quality of life in underprivileged areas.

By prioritizing inclusivity, Pakistan can ensure that no one is left behind in its journey toward progress.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While the benefits of Gen AI are immense, realizing its potential will require overcoming several challenges:

1.  Infrastructure Deficits: Pakistan should consider postponing large-scale infrastructure projects for 2–3 years and instead prioritize investments in digital infrastructure. This includes expanding broadband connectivity, developing data centers, and ensuring the widespread availability of affordable digital devices. A transparent approach to these initiatives will be essential for effectively harnessing the power of AI and driving technological advancement across the country.
   

2.  Capacity Building: There is a need for skilled professionals who can develop and deploy AI solutions. Educational reforms should focus on AI literacy and training.
   

3.  Political Will: Success hinges on visionary leadership committed to embracing innovation and implementing inclusive policies.
   

To achieve these goals, Pakistan must adopt a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, academia, private sector players, and civil society. International partnerships can also provide technical expertise and funding.

A Call to Action

Seventy-six years after independence, Pakistan remains far from fulfilling its objective of a progressive, inclusive, and prosperous nation. The path forward lies in embracing cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI to overcome historical legacies of underdevelopment and inequity. By investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and economic empowerment, Pakistan can build a future where every citizen thrives.

The question before Pakistan’s leaders is simple yet profound: Will they continue clinging to antiquated practices that perpetuate backwardness, or will they seize the opportunity presented by Gen AI to chart a new course? The answer will determine whether Pakistan fulfils its promise—or squanders its potential once again.

As advocates of progress, let us choose wisely—for the sake of our people, our country, and generations to come.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025