A global survey by the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society ranks Pakistan among the world’s leading users of artificial intelligence, placing the country fourth out of 21 nations. The findings show broad public optimism about AI’s potential to boost the economy and public services, while also highlighting rising concerns about job displacement, ethical governance, and the need for clearer national policies.
The survey found that 26% of Pakistanis described their view of AI as very positive and 39% as fairly positive, while 22% were neutral and 13% held negative views. These results position Pakistan behind India, Kenya, and Brazil in terms of positive sentiment, but ahead of many more advanced economies.
Experts attribute much of the optimism to expectations that AI will spur job creation, economic growth, and improvements in public service delivery. Pakistan’s existing digital infrastructure — including more than 146 million broadband users — is cited as a strength that could enable rapid scaling of AI applications across sectors.
At the same time, the study and industry reports point to growing concerns. Some companies have already reduced hiring in roles vulnerable to automation, and analysts warn of broader risks such as job displacement, widening skills gaps, over-reliance on AI tools, and potential erosion of critical thinking skills. These trends underline the social and economic challenges that could accompany rapid AI adoption.
The survey’s findings have intensified calls for a clear ethical framework and a National AI Policy to guide deployment and governance. UNESCO recently convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue in Pakistan, titled AI for Humanity: Ethical and Inclusive AI in Pakistan, bringing together government, academia, civil society, and industry leaders to discuss these issues.
Local innovation is also emerging alongside policy discussions. Homegrown projects such as Zahanat AI, a chatbot that supports local languages, illustrate efforts to build indigenous solutions that are culturally and linguistically relevant. At the CIO Global 200 Summit, industry leaders urged organizations to appoint internal AI champions and seek regulatory clarity to ensure AI applications strengthen credibility rather than undermine it.
While enthusiasm for AI’s benefits remains high, the survey underscores the need for balanced action: harness opportunities for growth and service improvement while putting in place safeguards to protect jobs, shore up skills, and ensure fairness and accountability in AI systems. Effective governance and ethical policy are presented as urgent priorities if Pakistan is to translate its early lead in AI adoption into broad-based, sustainable gains.
