Getting into the AI groove

In a Dawn column, the JazzWorld chief executive argues that the next phase of AI will be judged by how countries use it, not only by who builds the strongest models. He cites research by economists Diego Comin and Bart Hobijn showing older technologies took many decades to spread, while ChatGPT usage is climbing fastest across lower- and middle-income economies. This simultaneous arrival gives Pakistan an opening that could narrow if the country handles the transition poorly.

The column presents Systems Limited as evidence of local engineering talent that competes internationally. Exports from IT and IT-enabled services totalled roughly $3.8 billion during FY26's opening ten months, and Sky47, launched as the country's first AI factory, marks an early move toward sovereign computing. Its population is also young, with over 60 per cent of the 250 million aged below thirty.

The column notes that Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi and other regional languages lack representation in global AI development, and that access through feature phones matters as much as technical ability. It calls the National AI Policy and National AI Innovation Framework a constructive step but says execution now matters most. The writer wants sustained investment in skills, reliable digital infrastructure and rules that give builders room to work.