Key Takeaways
- PIDE calls for building Pakistan’s AI and fintech ecosystem on trust, inclusion, and accountability.
- AI should prioritize measurable public value, human oversight, and evidence-based policy-making.
- Institutions must identify operational needs before adopting AI technologies.
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has called for a responsible approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (fintech) adoption in the country, emphasizing trust, inclusion, and institutional accountability.
Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Landscape of AI and Fintech in Pakistan,’ Dr Mustansar Ali Ghazanfar, an Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence from the University of East London, highlighted that these technologies should be guided by three interconnected principles: value, intelligence, and accountability.
Dr Ghazanfar stressed that AI could accelerate policy research and evidence gathering, while financial data could provide deeper insights into economic activity. However, he emphasized that these gains would only be meaningful if supported by verified evidence, clearly defined ownership, and human oversight.
Institutions should determine where they can create measurable value, the data required, the safeguards needed, and who will remain accountable for AI-generated outputs. He noted that predictive, generative, and agentic AI systems involve varying levels of risk and autonomy, requiring corresponding levels of oversight based on data sensitivity and potential consequences.
Calling for a shift from fragmented AI use to governed institutional workflows, Dr Ghazanfar said organizations should adopt approved tools, maintain documented evidence, ensure human review, and regularly evaluate performance. He described AI transformation as primarily an institutional and cultural process rather than a purely technological exercise, emphasizing that people, processes, and data remain central to successful digital reforms.
Highlighting Pakistan’s fintech sector, Dr Ghazanfar acknowledged improvements in digital-payment infrastructure but warned against the misuse of public AI platforms. He advised institutions not to upload confidential research, financial records, internal documents, or personal information, recommending data classification and secure environments for sensitive material.
While AI could assist researchers in finding sources, organizing evidence, and preparing initial drafts, human experts must verify factual claims and retain final decision-making authority. Dr Ghazanfar proposed that PIDE launch a structured 90-day pilot project to test AI-assisted research workflows before considering wider implementation.
The seminar focused on building trusted digital services, evidence-based policy-making, and accountable AI governance rather than pursuing technology solely for visibility or scale.
AI and fintech should be guided by three interconnected principles, including value, intelligence and accountability to ensure sustainable institutional benefits.
Dr Mustansar Ali Ghazanfar, Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of East London
Institutions should identify their operational needs before adopting AI technologies by determining where they could create measurable value, the data required, the safeguards needed and who would remain accountable for AI-generated outputs.
Dr Mustansar Ali Ghazanfar, Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of East London
