Is Pakistan Getting Ready For AI Revolution?

[Riaz Haq]

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has taken the world by a storm. It has drawn the attention of academia, businesses and governments around the world.  This technology is expected to transform almost every sector from business and commerce to government, industries and defense. Are Pakistanis aware of its potential?  Is Pakistan getting ready for what is being described as the "AI Revolution"? Let's examine the answers to these questions. 

AI awareness is rising among Pakistan’s general public. The country ranks third with 76% of people being aware of ChatGPT, according to Stanford University’s AI Index Report 2024 covering a survey of 31 countries, including the United States, Europe and East Asia.  India (82%), Kenya (81%), Indonesia (76%), and Pakistan (76%) have the highest awareness rates in the world.  Brazil and Canada have 64% awareness, UK and Japan 61%, China, Germany and France 60% and the US 55%. Poland reported the lowest awareness, at 43%. Globally, 17% of users utilize it daily, 36% weekly, and 16% monthly. India (36%), Pakistan (28%), and Kenya(27%) report the highest levels of daily usage. 

Pakistan is among the top 4 countries for enrollment in Coursera online GenAI courses, according to Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera. India, Egypt, Pakistan, and Brazil, make up more than half (52%) of GenAI enrollments on Coursera. It offers more than 4,600 courses and 55 Professional Certificates in up to 21 popular languages, including Arabic, Hindi, and Spanish.  Coursera, a global online education platform, was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller. 

Pakistan's HEC (Higher Education Commission) has established a partnership with Coursera to give access to online quality education in Pakistan.  As a result, more than 200 universities have gained access to Coursera’s library of courses.  Over 267,000 courses have been completed with students logging over 1.4 million learning hours. More than 45,000 learners have achieved deep-skills specialized certifications from internationally recognized institutions, the most popular specializations being Communication, Data Analysis, and Leadership and Management, according to Coursera. 

Ashar Aziz Foundation, created and funded by Pakistani-American technology entrepreneur Ashar Aziz, has sponsored Advanced AI Bootcamps at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad.  The bootcamp series not only provides theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes practical, project-based learning, according to NUST. 

The first AI bootcamp, which focused on Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), was successfully completed at NUST in November 2023. The second bootcamp provided participants with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the development and application of LLMs (Large Language Models). Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences & Technology (GIKI) also joined this initiative in 2024, conducting its own DNN-focused bootcamp. Participants have the opportunity to work with advanced technologies, including access to a 10xH100 NVIDIA GPU AI supercomputer, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in AI. As part of its ongoing efforts, NUST plans to partner with additional universities across Pakistan to further scale this initiative, ensuring that more students have access to high-quality AI training, according to NUST. 

Smaller towns in Pakistan are also setting up AI programs with the help of Pakistani-Americans. For example, Stanford educated AI expert Shoaib Lari and Silicon Valley based technology executive Jalil Shaikh have helped Islamia University Bahawalpur start an AI program. Jalil Shaikh is now working with US-based companies to place the first group of graduates from this program. 

STEM education underlies Artificial Intelligence. Pakistan stands 4th in the world with 642,562 students enrolled in STEM courses– behind Nigeria (675,371), the US (4,639,771) and India (6,000,967), according to Coursera's Global Skills Report 2023. My own estimate based on HEC data is that STEM enrollment in Pakistan exceeds one million. 

The Pakistan government has released its National AI Policy Draft for comments. It focuses on how AI can help the country promote its national competitiveness and improve the lives of its citizens by outlining a wide range of developmental initiatives necessary for awareness and adoption of AI, reimagining the transparent and fair use of personal data using AI, and stimulating innovation through industry-academia collaborations and investments in AI-led initiatives. The Pakistan government has set up a National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). NCAI has created a a consortium model consisting of 6 public sector universities with 9 specialized research centers spread across Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar. 

Pakistan has also seen several private-sector led initiatives to create greater awareness of AI. For instance, Karachi.AI is recognized as a premier community for Applied AI practitioners. Established in 2017, the community proudly hosts over 10,000 members representing various domains. Its mission revolves around three central pillars: raising awareness, promoting engagement, and driving execution. Karachi. AI hosts regular meetups in Karachi, which are also live streamed on its YouTube channel, along with other educational content about AI.  

In addition to skilled human capital, the GenAI apps require a lot of digital public infrastructure, powerful computers and large data centers to securely store and rapidly access vast amounts of data. A number of private investors are jumping in to build data centers in Pakistan. Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) is planning to develop data centers across the country as part of an expansion into digital infrastructure.  Chakwal Spinning Mills Limited, has recently said it was pivoting to develop data centers.

Related Links:

Haq's Musings

South Asia Investor Review

RAAST: Pakistan's Instant Payment System

2021: A Banner Year For Tech Startups in Pakistan

Algorithm: Origins of Artificial Intelligence in Islamic Age

Digital Pakistan 2022: Broadband Penetration Soars to 90% of 15+ Po...

STEM Enrollment in Pakistan Exceeds One Million

Digital Public Infrastructure in Pakistan

Solar Power Boom in Pakistan

Pakistan at 75

Growing Presence of Pakistani Women in Science and Technology

Riaz Haq's Youtube Channel

 

PakAlumni Social Network

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistani IT firms showcase AI, Big Data solutions at Amsterdam tech exhibition


https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573786/pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Four Pakistani information technology firms showcased cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and big data solutions at an exhibition in Amsterdam this week, highlighting the country’s role as a key player in the global tech arena, the commerce ministry said on Thursday.

The AI and Big Data Expo Europe was held from Oct. 1-2 in Amsterdam, featuring next-generation technologies and strategies in the world of artificial intelligence. The event was sponsored by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and included various speakers from the fields of data science.

AI technology enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem-solving, decision making and creativity. Big data refers to extremely large and diverse collections of structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data that continues to grow exponentially over time. Big data is used in machine learning, predictive modeling, and other advanced analytics to solve business problems and make informed decisions.

“Four leading Pakistani IT companies Reach the Globe, ICILtek, NorthBay Solutions and Sofizar/ ConstellationCK proudly represented Pakistan at the AI and Big Data Exhibition Europe at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam,” the commerce ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Pakistan’s embassy in The Hague played an important role in promoting the participation of these companies by ensuring a “seamless setup” of the Pakistan Pavillion, the ministry said. It added that the embassy also facilitated booths for local companies and promoted Pakistani IT firms in front of visitors from different sectors.

The Pakistani embassy hosted a networking dinner to bring together local IT firms and key stakeholders representing Dutch companies, the statement said. The dinner provided a platform for Pakistani and Dutch businesses to discuss collaboration opportunities.

Muhammad Shafiq Haider Virk, Pakistan’s trade and investment councilor in the Netherlands, said the participation of the four local companies demonstrated the South Asian nation’s growing expertise in AI and big data.

“The Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague will continue to support and promote Pakistani businesses on the global stage, strengthening our trade ties with the Netherlands and Europe,” he said.

[Riaz Haq]

Generative Artificial Intelligence and Deterrence Stability between India and Pakistan — Global Security Review


https://globalsecurityreview.com/generative-artificial-intelligence...


Imagine a scene. It is the Indian military command center on the night of May 28, 2028. A high-ranking Indian military officer sends a message to a subordinate commander; Pakistan has initiated a preemptive strike. Prepare for a retaliatory strike. This is not a drill.

Missile flight time between both India and Pakistan is a few minutes. Hence, commanders do not have time for verification and decide to launch a retaliatory strike on warning.

In Pakistan, a high-ranking Pakistani military officer contacts Pakistan’s prime minister to tell him India has initiated a nuclear strike, and an immediate response is required. The prime minister immediately orders a counterstrike. Pakistan proceeds to counterstrike protocols.

Missiles begin crossing borders between India and Pakistan as the world hurtles towards a nuclear catastrophe in South Asia. The world’s worst fears are realized. It is only later realized that the high-ranking Indian military officer’s message to an Indian commander was made by a nuclear command-and-control system embedded with generative artificial intelligence (AI).

The Role of Generative AI in Modern Warfare

The use of generative AI, which is best exemplified by ChatGPT, by an adversary, or third party, can impact deterrence stability between India and Pakistan. In a worst-case scenario, it could trigger a nuclear war, like the scene mentioned above. Should generative AI be embedded in nuclear command-and-control systems, it is theoretically possible that hyper-personalized messages, like the one described above, could be generated in a system that was not originally designed to allow such an outcome. The potential for a tailored message, for specific individuals, is possible.

Traditionally, content and information generation were based on human creativity. However, at present, generative artificial intelligence is being considered as a tool for digital transformation. Generative AI is a deep learning model which has the capability to generate synthetic media including text, video, and audio—dependent on training.

----------------

Generative AI and Deterrence Stability: A Scenario for De-escalation

It is the night of May 28, 2028, at India’s military command center. A high-ranking Indian military officer sends a message to a subordinate commander; Pakistan has initiated a preemptive strike. Prepare for a retaliatory strike. This is not a drill.

Flight time between India and Pakistan is a few minutes. Hence, commanders do not have time for verification and need to decide quickly whether to launch a retaliatory strike. He calls the command center to verify the message received.

India’s prime minister is contacted immediately concerning the message received by one of his commanders. He picks up the hotline to Pakistan’s prime minister and asks, “Have you launched nuclear weapons?”

Pakistan’s prime minister responds, “Not at all. This is fake!”

India’s prime minister informs the military command center. The crisis is averted, and nuclear weapons are not used.

Confidence-building measures, which were present in the second scenario, have the opportunity to change the outcome of a conflict. Given the potential for artificial intelligence to be used in nefarious ways, it is time to take action to avert such a crisis.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan executes AI-powered criminal identification system | Biometric Update

https://www.biometricupdate.com/202402/pakistan-executes-ai-powered...

Pakistan is rapidly advancing into a technologically advanced era, and its provinces are embracing innovation to transform law enforcement systems. The Punjab Safe City project, a joint project between Punjab Police and PITB, is leading this change by implementing the AI-powered Face Trace System (FTS) to increase the effectiveness of biometric criminal identification and detention.
Not to be outdone, Safe City Projects in Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) are progressing significantly. While KPK is leading the way with its ground-breaking AI security control system in Peshawar, Sindh promises increased security with the completion of the Karachi AI facial recognition project soon.

Baluchistan is getting close to finishing its Quetta Safe City Project, which is adding to this momentum. This project intends to improve security protocols and update law enforcement with more than 1,400 strategically placed IP cameras spread over 255 sites. The initiative, which was designed domestically, demonstrates Baluchistan’s dedication to digital technology independence.

These programs demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to using biometric technology to follow terrorists, suspects, accused parties, and criminals across the country as they develop. The Face Trace System (FTS), was created to improve accountability, efficiency, and dependability in digitally tracking down criminal identities.

The execution of Face Trace System (FTC) in Punjab
The Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) System, which is based on artificial intelligence (AI) and uses sophisticated technology to identify vehicles involved in criminal activity, is one of the technologies represented by the development of the FTS. This system records and captures license plate information. Chairman of the Punjab Information Technology Board, PITB, Faisal Yousaf, briefed the Media. The Facial Recognition System, which is based on Artificial Intelligence, takes pictures automatically and compares them with a vast database that has been compiled. This database includes 18 million driving license records and pictures, 1.8 million records from the Crime Record Branch, 1.3 million from the Punjab Khidmat Marakaz, and 300,000 records of accused persons and criminals from Punjab prisons. Law enforcement officials can identify and track suspects who CCTV cameras and other sources with the use of this system have identified.

An important step towards Punjab province’s goal of modernizing law enforcement is the introduction of new digital technology. With the help of this extensive database and the user-friendly online platform of the FTS, investigations are accelerated and laborious processes are replaced with smooth identification and verification. Identification procedures are streamlined using AI-driven facial and vehicle number plate recognition, which cuts down on the time and resources required for investigations. With these cutting-edge capabilities, police can ensure public safety by responding swiftly to track illegal activity. Furthermore, law enforcement’s efficiency in holding suspects is improved by the FTS’s capacity to arrest offenders in a multiplicity of settings.

The progress of AI-driven safe city project in Sindh province
Advancements in surveillance technology
A paradigm shift in law enforcement technology is represented by the Safe City project of Sindh province, which uses surveillance systems. This system, which consists of carefully placed cameras with cutting-edge capabilities like facial recognition, night vision, and vehicle plate recording, raises the block for public safety and crime prevention. Law enforcement officials may now quickly identify and monitor suspects by utilizing state-of-the-art AI technology, which improves their ability to initially maintain law and order across vulnerable parts of Karachi city.

[Riaz Haq]

The global AI revolution demands that Pakistan urgently integrate AI across key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. AI can boost productivity and unlock economic potential, but international collaboration and tech exports are also crucial for positioning Pakistan in the global arena. Reskilling the workforce is equally essential.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1861988#:~:text=The%20global%20AI%20revol....

By focusing on tech education, talent development, and promoting freelancing, Pakistan can build a future-ready workforce while preventing further talent exodus. Based on the latest Pakistan Economic Survey for 2023-24, over 13.53 million Pakistanis have officially migrated to work in more than 50 countries by April 2024.

But what happens when countries absorbing Pakistan’s talent face their own AI-driven job crises? AI is set to displace millions of jobs globally. Key destinations like Canada, the UK, Germany, and the US are already experiencing AI disruption. If opportunities abroad diminish, remittances may no longer ease economic pressure, leaving Pakistan’s youth with limited prospects both at home and abroad.

Globally, AI is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the economy by 2030, according to a PwC Global Artificial Intelligence Study. Yet, an International Monetary Fund analysis explains that AI exposes 40 per cent of global jobs to automation, with up to 60pc of jobs in advanced economies affected. In response, millions of workers are undergoing retraining, with employers prioritising AI skills by 2027.

When asked whether UBI could sufficiently mitigate AI-driven job displacement, experts remain uncertain. While UBI may provide relief in countries with strong social safety nets, it is less feasible for developing nations like Pakistan. With a workforce vulnerable to automation, Pakistan must prioritise alternative strategies — reskilling, sectoral reforms, and proactive policies — to protect jobs.

However, structural gaps in education, science, and technology impede Pakistan’s preparations. Poor execution of technological strategies, insufficient monitoring, and a lack of skilled resources prevent Pakistan from capitalising on AI opportunities. Without targeted reforms, the country risks falling behind in the global race for innovation.

A significant challenge lies in the disconnect between key stakeholders and the absence of a unified vision for science, technology, and higher education. Addressing these gaps is critical for creating an environment conducive to AI adoption. Yet, AI remains a low priority in national policies. Pakistan also lacks a comprehensive commercialisation framework for research and development, which hinders collaboration between researchers and industry.

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system, developed by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration, could offer a structured approach to guide innovation from concept to market deployment. Without such frameworks, ad-hoc commercialisation of research limits its impact, weakening the bridge between academia and industry.