Key Takeaways
- Employees in Pakistan are using AI tools like ChatGPT without company permission.
- The adoption of AI is outpacing organizational readiness and policy development.
- Skills gaps exist between having access to AI and effectively using it in business.
In Pakistan, the rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini is transforming workplace practices, with employees using these technologies without formal company approval. This shift highlights the gap between the rapid adoption of AI and the lack of comprehensive policies and training.
According to a recent analysis by Dawn, Pakistan remains at an early stage of digitisation, with widespread use of AI tools but limited understanding of their broader implications. The absence of a structured approach to AI adoption means that companies may have employees using these tools daily without clear guidelines on their use.
Muhammad Burhan Mirza, a Pakistani entrepreneur and investor, highlighted the challenges of AI adoption in Pakistan several years ago. In a 2023 interview with Business Recorder, he noted that AI and big-data adoption was still at an extremely early stage, citing barriers such as a lack of data infrastructure, skilled professionals, and regulatory frameworks. He also emphasized the need for workforce training to prepare for AI implementation.
Three years later, the technology has advanced significantly, with AI being used for simple tasks like content drafting, presentation preparation, and marketing material generation. More technical applications, such as software development, customer management, analytics, and automation, are also being explored. This rapid advancement has made the question of whether businesses will encounter AI irrelevant; the focus now is on how they will manage it.
The challenge lies in the distinction between having access to AI and actually having the skills to use it effectively. An employee who can generate a paragraph with ChatGPT may not be equipped to evaluate its accuracy, protect confidential information, or integrate the technology into a business process. As AI moves from experimentation into everyday work, this skills gap becomes increasingly significant.
Mirza’s focus on workforce development intersects with the broader AI debate. Through Skills360, which he co-founded, and The Coach360, he has been involved in skills development and training initiatives. More recently, his public activity includes AI workshops covering practical applications such as prompting and AI-assisted content creation. These efforts aim to bridge the skills gap and ensure that businesses can effectively leverage AI.
The risks associated with AI adoption are not theoretical. Employees can unknowingly upload sensitive business information into external AI services, leading to potential security breaches. AI-generated reports can contain convincing but incorrect information, and companies may begin relying on automated recommendations without establishing accountability for the final decision.
The current scenario in Pakistan underscores the need for a balanced approach to AI adoption. While the technology is transforming workplaces, it is crucial to develop comprehensive policies, train employees, and address the skills gap to ensure that AI is used responsibly and effectively.
AI and big-data adoption in Pakistan was still at an extremely early stage.
Muhammad Burhan Mirza, Pakistani entrepreneur and investor
