KARACHI: “Without developing local AI capabilities, Pakistan may become increasingly dependent on foreign AI solutions,” said ByeongJo Kong, Digital Technology Specialist (Data Analytics & Big Data) at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in response to an emailed query.
AI should address a country’s specific needs and challenges, says Fatima Yasmin of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Pakistan’s lag in AI adoption compared to its peers is evident, highlighting the importance of learning from India’s AI applications. For instance, India’s use of AI in Tamil Nadu to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks and the introduction of Kissan GPT, a chatbot assisting farmers, can serve as models for Pakistan.
Ozzeir Khan, Director at ADB, emphasizes India’s potential as a major player in AI production and consumption, suggesting that similar AI applications can benefit Pakistan. Examples include OLAM International’s use of AI in the Philippines for rice processing and Singapore’s strategic investment in graphics processing units for AI development.
Mr. Kong, elaborating on the widening AI gap, stresses the importance of AI in boosting economic growth and productivity. Pakistan faces challenges due to its lack of AI initiatives, which leads to a brain drain and hinders technological advancement. To address these challenges, Pakistan must integrate AI strategies into its national development plans, focusing on investments in technology, infrastructure, and education.
However, Mr. Kong warns against adopting ‘copy-paste’ AI solutions that may not address Pakistan’s unique needs. Imported solutions could lead to inefficiencies, biases, and security risks. To mitigate these risks, Pakistan should develop its own AI solutions or fine-tune imported ones. Investing in local research, establishing partnerships, and creating a national AI strategy will ensure that AI serves local needs while empowering domestic capacity.
In summary, Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in the era of technological advances. Without a national framework and strategy for AI, Pakistan risks missing out on opportunities and jeopardizing safety, warns Mr. Khan.
