Tech Desk 
Dec 14, 2024
As artificial intelligence (AI) has accelerated the possibility of both progress and vulnerability in digital space, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar stressed the constitution of a global regulatory framework to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI.
Representing Pakistan at the Stratcom Summit 2024, Tarar underscored the efforts the country is making to implement the National AI Policy to come on par with globally preferred standards.
The information minister highlighted that besides widening the scope of development in socio-economic spheres, AI poses significant challenges like misinformation, as reported by Business Recorder.
Tarar maintained that it is crucial to develop large language models (LLMs) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools to counter misinformation.
“To address this, we must adopt robust frameworks to counter the destabilising effects of misinformation on society and security,” the minister remarked while referring to the World Economic Forum's report finding misinformation as a formidable global threat.
“Pakistan is providing AI training modules for youth and aims to train one million young people in IT skills by next year,” he said. “We are progressing in AI applications across sectors such as Agri-Tech, Fin-Tech, Health-Tech, and beyond,” he said.
Since Pakistan's demography is dominated by youth comprising 68% of the total population, the minister stressed equipping them with IT skills to participate in the race of AI and relevant fields.
Pakistan has 111 million internet users, 71 million social media users, and nearly 188 million smartphone users, noted the federal minister while reflecting on Pakistan's digital landscape.
