Pakistan Must Confront Its AI Readiness Gap Urgently
A newly published commentary argues that Pakistan stands at a critical inflection point in its relationship with artificial intelligence, warning that the country risks falling irreversibly behind if it fails to mount a coherent national response to the AI transition now reshaping global economies.
The piece identifies a structural readiness gap spanning three interconnected dimensions: inadequate digital infrastructure in public institutions, a workforce not equipped with AI-relevant technical and analytical skills, and the absence of a binding national AI policy framework with enforcement teeth. Together, these gaps leave Pakistan exposed as AI adoption accelerates across competitor economies.
The commentary notes that while individual technology firms and select universities have begun isolated AI initiatives, these efforts remain fragmented and uncoordinated. Without central policy direction, investment incentives, and curriculum reform at scale, Pakistan's participation in the AI economy will remain peripheral.
The author urges the federal government to treat AI readiness as a strategic priority comparable to energy security, commissioning a national AI task force with cross-ministry authority. The window to act is narrowing, the piece concludes, and incremental responses will not be sufficient.
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