he future of AI in Pakistan holds immense potential, yet it is intertwined with significant challenges. Imagine a nation where AI drives agricultural productivity, revolutionises healthcare, and transforms education—where every sector operates with the efficiency of intelligent systems. Yet, this vision remains distant unless we confront the obstacles that lie in our path.

AI offers Pakistan substantial opportunities across various sectors. Agriculture could be revolutionised by AI-powered tools that optimise crop yields, monitor soil conditions and predict weather patterns, leading to increased food security. The manufacturing sector could benefit from AI-driven automation, improving productivity and reducing costs. In healthcare, AI has the potential to enhance diagnostics making healthcare more accessible, particularly in rural areas. Education, too, could be transformed through personalised learning experiences, tailored to individual students’ needs, thereby improving educational outcomes.

Despite these opportunities, Pakistan faces significant challenges that could impede the development and adoption of AI. The lack of necessary infrastructure, including high-speed internet, data centres and reliable power supplies, remains a major barrier to AI growth. Additionally, the country has a substantial skills gap. The shortage of professionals with expertise in machine learning, data science and AI development could slow down innovation and hinder the ability of businesses to leverage AI.

A critical issue that exacerbates these challenges is the reluctance of investors to fund AI initiatives in Pakistan. Globally, tech companies have seen stock prices drop when announcing significant AI investments, reflecting investor caution due to the high costs and uncertain returns associated with AI projects. In Pakistan, where the investment climate is already conservative, this reluctance is even more pronounced. Without sufficient financial backing, Pakistan’s AI sector may struggle to scale, limiting its impact on the economy and society.

The recent government-imposed network suspensions and increased content filtering are adding to these challenges and threaten to stifle the growth of AI in Pakistan. These actions, often justified on security grounds, create a climate of uncertainty that can deter international investors who are already cautious about emerging markets. The frequent disruptions in internet services not only hinder local businesses but also risk isolating Pakistan from the global AI community. In a world where data is the new currency, these actions can have long-term consequences, eroding trust in Pakistan as a stable and reliable destination for tech investment.

Moreover, these internet restrictions can severely limit access to global knowledge and collaboration opportunities. AI development thrives on free flow of information. By restricting internet access, Pakistan risks falling behind in the global AI race. The ability to participate in international research, access the latest technological advancements and collaborate with global experts is crucial for the growth of AI in Pakistan. Continued internet restrictions could isolate the country, making it difficult to attract the necessary talent and investment needed to build a robust AI ecosystem.

Internet restrictions can severely limit access to global knowledge and collaboration opportunities. AI development thrives on the free flow of information. By restricting internet access, Pakistan risks falling behind in the global AI race.

The implications of these internet disruptions are far-reaching. Reliable internet access is essential not just for businesses but also for the overall digital infrastructure that supports AI development. When the internet is frequently shut down or heavily censored, it undermines confidence in Pakistan’s digital landscape. This could lead international companies that rely on stable internet connectivity to reconsider their operations in Pakistan, resulting in a loss of potential investments that are critical for building the AI infrastructure.

Furthermore, these restrictions pose a significant challenge to journalism and free expression. Reporters have found it increasingly difficult to operate in an environment where access to information is curtailed. This has broad implications for AI development, as a free and open internet is necessary for the kind of transparency and innovation that drives technological progress. Without the ability to freely access and share information, the development of AI in Pakistan may be stunted.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition in both the government and private sector of the importance of AI for Pakistan’s future. Initiatives like Digital Pakistan are a step in the right direction. They need to be more than just symbolic. These efforts must translate into concrete actions that build the necessary infrastructure, close the skills gap and create a more favourable investment climate. This includes improving internet infrastructure, ensuring that it remains open and reliable and investing in education to build a workforce capable of driving AI innovation.

Public-private partnerships could play a crucial role in accelerating AI adoption in Pakistan. By combining resources and expertise, these collaborations could address the unique challenges facing the country and drive the development of AI technologies tailored to Pakistan’s needs. From agricultural tools designed for local crops to healthcare solutions for rural communities, such partnerships could be the key to unlock AI’s potential in Pakistan.

The future of AI in Pakistan is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about building an ecosystem that fosters innovation, attracts investment and ensures that the benefits of AI are widely shared. The challenges are significant, but so too are the opportunities. With the right strategies and a commitment to overcome the obstacles, Pakistan can position itself as a leader in AI, driving economic growth and improving the lives of its citizens. To ensure Pakistan’s growth in AI, it is critical to overcome these challenges now, particularly addressing internet restrictions that are sure to stifle innovation.

The writer is the director and founder of Media Matters for Democracy. He writes on media and digital freedoms, media sustainability and countering misinformation