AI advancements could widen economic, social inequalities: Shaza

Federal IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja cautioned that fast-moving artificial intelligence could deepen economic and social gaps, Business Recorder reported. Speaking at an Islamabad development conference, she said Pakistan should build expertise and create AI products rather than depend mainly on technologies developed elsewhere.

Khawaja said the shift towards AI is changing work, education and society, and called for more specialists able to develop algorithms. She also urged investment in language datasets that include Urdu and regional languages, citing concerns about the effect of overseas platforms on local culture.

The minister described connectivity, cybersecurity and AI as central to Pakistan’s digital transition, alongside plans for cashless services, paperless government and shared data systems. She said education and workforce training need to adapt, so young people can gain relevant skills and technological progress benefits livelihoods across the country.