AI’s Growing Influence in Pakistan
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. From healthcare to agriculture and finance, AI is increasingly being adopted to improve efficiency and decision-making. However, despite its potential to drive economic transformation, Pakistan faces significant challenges, including talent shortages and regulatory gaps. To fully capitalize on AI’s promise, the country must build a sustainable ecosystem that fosters innovation and addresses key barriers.
Cost Reduction with Open-Source AI
Habibullah Khan, CEO at digital product design studio Penumbra – which helps build AI-powered products – explains that DeepSeek’s advancements in AI have made high-powered computational tasks significantly cheaper. This cost reduction is crucial for Pakistan, where businesses and institutions often struggle with limited technological resources.
“Building an AI application for a marketing stack using DeepSeek AI is 27x cheaper than ChatGPT,” says Khan.
DeepSeek’s ability to innovate despite limited computing power demonstrates the potential of AI in emerging markets like Pakistan.
Zong 4G, a leading telecom provider in Pakistan, has integrated DeepSeek AI’s open-source models to enhance operational efficiency and AI-driven services. By adopting AI, Zong aims to automate complex tasks and improve both internal workflows and customer experiences.
The Role of China and CPEC in AI Development
DeepSeek’s rise is particularly significant for Pakistan due to its ties with China under CPEC. China’s advancements in AI and its commitment to open-source technology present an opportunity for Pakistan to accelerate its digital transformation.
Through CPEC, Pakistan can collaborate with China to integrate AI into key sectors like:
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Education
AI-powered solutions can address challenges such as:
- Food security
- Medical accessibility
- Youth unemployment
With over 60% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, AI-driven training programs and technology-focused education can equip young people with future-ready skills, fostering a new wave of entrepreneurs and tech professionals.
AI in Healthcare
AI is proving to be a game-changer in Pakistan’s healthcare sector, particularly in addressing accessibility challenges.
- ConnectHear is leveraging AI to provide sign language interpretation for individuals with hearing impairments. With an estimated 1.35 million people in Pakistan facing disabling hearing loss, AI-powered solutions can bridge communication gaps.
- Xylexa uses AI and computer vision in a SaaS platform that assists caregivers with fast, accurate, and cost-effective medical image diagnosis.
Beyond accessibility, AI has the potential to revolutionize:
- Disease detection
- Diagnostics
- Medical imaging for remote clinics
This would reduce the burden on overworked hospitals and ensure better healthcare access in rural areas.
Symmetry Group’s AI Ambitions
Pakistan’s AI adoption is also receiving a boost from the private sector. Symmetry Group, a digital technology firm, has announced plans to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for a new subsidiary focused on AI-powered solutions.
Key highlights:
- Plans to raise PKR 1.5–2 billion (Up to USD 7.14M)
- Expansion of AI-driven platforms like Influsense.ai and Vidfy.ai
- Entry into international markets such as the UAE
The success of this IPO could encourage other Pakistani firms to invest in AI, boosting the innovation ecosystem.
AI in Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy but suffers from:
- Unpredictable weather
- Low crop yields
- Outdated farming techniques
AI can help by:
- Analyzing weather patterns
- Monitoring soil quality
- Diagnosing crop health in real time
Farmdar, a Pakistani startup, is already using AI and space technologies to support sustainable agriculture.
Collaboration with China
Through CPEC and collaboration with Chinese AI firms, Pakistan can:
- Develop precision agriculture
- Enhance productivity
- Ensure food security
AI in Finance
Pakistan’s fintech sector is rapidly growing, with AI playing a key role in:
- Fraud detection
- Credit risk assessment
- Customer service automation
AI has also enabled inclusive banking by reaching previously unbanked populations via digital platforms.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite AI’s promise, Pakistan faces several barriers:
Major Challenges
- Talent Shortages: Lack of skilled AI professionals; brain drain.
- Regulatory Gaps: Unclear AI governance and data protection.
- Limited Infrastructure: Inadequate access to AI-ready hardware.
Solutions for Progress
- Education and Training: Expand AI education, boot camps, and incubators.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Create policies around AI ethics, data privacy, and IP rights.
Time to Act: Leveraging AI for the Future
AI is no longer a distant challenge for Pakistan—it is actively reshaping industries. Although historically slow to adopt new technologies, Pakistan now has a unique advantage due to its proximity and partnership with China.
To sustain momentum, the country must invest in:
- Education and Talent Development
- Technological Infrastructure
- Forward-Thinking Policies
If implemented strategically, AI could be the catalyst that propels Pakistan into the global digital economy.