Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic idea, it is here, shaping industries, transforming societies, and redefining the way we tackle old problems. For a country like Pakistan, AI presents a rare and timely opportunity to fast-track progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether it is healthcare, education, agriculture, or climate action, AI has the potential to fundamentally improve how Pakistan responds to its most urgent development needs. But tapping into this potential will require more than enthusiasm. It demands focused planning, investment in infrastructure, and clear ethical rules to ensure AI serves everyone, not just a privileged few.

One of the clearest areas where AI can deliver impact is healthcare

One of the clearest areas where AI can deliver impact is healthcare. Pakistan continues to face significant gaps in health access, especially in remote and rural areas. With limited availability of trained doctors and medical experts, particularly specialists, millions of people lack timely diagnoses or proper treatment. Here, AI can step in. Already used around the world to detect diseases like cancer and tuberculosis early and accurately, AI tools can support diagnostics, offer remote consultations, and help track disease outbreaks. For Pakistan to take full advantage of this, however, it must invest in digital infrastructure and ensure data systems are reliable and secure.

The government’s AI in Education Strategy, aligned with UNESCO guidelines, has laid out a strong foundation, emphasizing teacher training, AI literacy, and expanding digital tools in classrooms

The education sector also stands to benefit. AI can personalize learning, helping students based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. Slower learners can get the support they need, while others can progress faster. The government’s AI in Education Strategy, aligned with UNESCO guidelines, has laid out a strong foundation, emphasizing teacher training, AI literacy, and expanding digital tools in classrooms. But the digital divide between rural and urban schools remains a real barrier. For AI to truly transform learning across the country, closing this gap must become a top priority.

In agriculture and climate action, AI could be a game-changer. Pakistan, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, is already facing more frequent floods, droughts, and shifting weather patterns. With AI, better forecasting models, disaster preparedness systems, and smart irrigation tools can help communities adapt more effectively. In farming, AI-driven tools like soil sensors and satellite data can boost crop yields, reduce waste, and improve food security. This is crucial for a country where agriculture supports nearly 40 percent of the workforce and contributes a large share to the national economy. But introducing these technologies at scale will require training farmers and making tools affordable and accessible.

Recognizing these opportunities, the Pakistani government is in the process of shaping a national AI policy. Innovation, security, and international cooperation are rightly listed as key priorities. At the same time, support from global institutions such as UNESCO is helping push forward discussions on how to use AI ethically and responsibly. This matters. AI is only as fair as the data it is trained on. If bias exists in that data, as it often does, the results can be discriminatory, reinforcing existing inequalities. Pakistan must take this seriously. As it builds its AI capacity, it must also build in safeguards, transparency, fairness, and accountability must guide every deployment.

The private sector, startups, and research institutions must be empowered to experiment, scale up, and drive change, especially beyond major cities

But there are real challenges. Pakistan currently faces issues like low-quality data, weak infrastructure, and a shortage of trained professionals in the AI sector. These must be tackled head-on. Building local AI talent through universities and vocational training is critical. Public-private partnerships can help bring fresh ideas and funding into the ecosystem. The private sector, startups, and research institutions must be empowered to experiment, scale up, and drive change, especially beyond major cities.

AI development should be coordinated across government ministries, academic institutions, the tech industry, and civil society

Crucially, Pakistan must avoid isolated efforts. AI development should be coordinated across government ministries, academic institutions, the tech industry, and civil society. A fragmented approach will waste resources and stall progress. Setting shared goals and measuring outcomes are essential if AI is to meaningfully advance Pakistan’s development.

Artificial intelligence will not solve every problem, but it can help solve some of Pakistan’s most difficult ones, from child mortality to classroom inequality to farming under climate stress. With smart policies, ethical guardrails, and the political will to act, AI can power a more inclusive, more sustainable, and more prosperous future. The question is not whether AI can help. The question is whether we are ready to let it.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.