Arooj Zulfiqar

In a significant move aimed at boosting innovation in digital economy, China has rolled out its ambitious AI Plus initiative for 2024 in the ‘Two Sessions’ just concluded in Beijing, according to WealthPK. The AI Plus initiative is set to become a cornerstone in China's quest for high-quality economic growth, as it focuses on deepening the research and application of AI technology across industries. This initiative aims to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with various sectors of economy, paving the way for enhanced productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Asfand Yar Khan, DG (IT) Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, told WealthPK that the impact of AI Plus initiative was not confined to its borders and believed that it could have transformative effects on the other countries' digital outlook, including Pakistan. “The AI Plus initiative presents an unprecedented opportunity for Pakistan to leapfrog into the digital age and address its pressing socio-economic challenges. By integrating AI technologies into key sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, Pakistan can unlock new avenues for innovation and growth.

AI is one of important technologies in the digital shift that is supporting expansion in businesses,” he said. He said the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has drafted the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy to embrace AI by recognizing human intelligence and promoting a hybrid intelligence ecosystem. The ultimate goal, he elaborated, is to ensure an equitable, responsible, and transparent use of AI. “Pakistan aims to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem, covering awareness, skill development, standardization, and ethical practices,” he said. According to the ‘State of AI Report 2023’, Pakistan ranks 117 out of 172 countries and has an index score of 34.03 in terms of AI readiness at a global scale. Asfand added that the National AI Policy was designed to ensure a fair access to opportunities and promote a responsible utilization of AI. The policy's key features include being evidence-based, target-driven, user-oriented, forward-thinking, objective, and all-encompassing. “The policy advocates for balanced interventions in research and innovation, including the creation of AI centres and addressing challenges like data digitalization.

Additionally, the policy highlights the AI's role in fostering economic growth and addressing societal challenges with a commitment to ensuring an equitable distribution of benefits,” he said. Asfand suggested that executing this comprehensive AI policy could play a pivotal role in maximizing the opportunities. Drawing inspiration from China's success in incorporating AI into various sectors, Pakistan should strategically implement policies that align with the country's specific needs and objectives. “By adopting a proactive approach and tailoring AI applications to the local requirements, Pakistan has the potential to follow China's success story and harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence for sustainable development across diverse sectors,” he added. In an interview with WealthPK, Syed Junaid Imam from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) highlighted the urgent need to overcome digitalization gaps for AI advancement. “Incomplete digitization hampers our infrastructure, inclusivity, and digital connectivity, limiting engagement to just half of the population. This 50% reduction significantly curtails the potential of technology integration,” he said. “The country’s digital infrastructure needs urgent expansion. Without a robust framework, our ability to realize the AI's potential remains constrained.

By bridging these digital gaps, we can create an environment conducive to widespread AI application.” “This expansion is not only a technological necessity but also a crucial driver for financial inclusion. It ensures broader participation in the digital landscape, laying groundwork for unlocking the AI's full potential and fostering economic growth. This imperative underscores the urgency of addressing our digital deficiencies to propel us into a new era of technological advancement,” Junaid emphasized. He said China's remarkable progress in these areas offers valuable lessons and opportunities for Pakistan. By addressing its digital deficiencies, Pakistan can create an enabling environment for widespread AI application, thereby enhancing productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness across industries. “Furthermore, Pakistan can draw inspiration from China's strategic approach to technological advancement and innovation. China's emphasis on research and development, coupled with strong government support and collaboration with the private sector, has propelled it to the forefront of global technology leadership. Similarly, Pakistan can foster partnerships among the government, academia, and industry to drive innovation and propel its technological transformation forward,” said Junaid.

INP: Credit: INP-WealthPk