Experts at a panel discussion have cautioned that Pakistan is at risk of reducing artificial intelligence to a tool for mere shortcuts and consumption, diverging from its use in developed nations to foster creativity and design new systems. The deliberation highlighted a growing concern that without a foundational emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, the country may fail to harness the innovative potential of AI.
According to a statement today, the concerns were raised during a panel discussion on ‘Sustainable Educational Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,’ organised by the Faculty of Information Technology of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU). The event was held in collaboration with the Sindh Ministry of Science and Information Technology and the university”s ORIC as part of the Indus AI Week Sindh celebrations.
Ayaz Ahmed Uqaili, a member of IT Industry Development, drew attention to the trend, explaining that while advanced economies leverage AI to innovate products and ideas, its application in Pakistan is often confined to solving routine homework or basic problems. He stressed that the true goal of adopting AI should be to scale intellectual exploration, which requires the cognitive depth built through sustained reading and learning.
The ethical dimensions of the technology were addressed by Atiq Raja, CEO of AR Trainings and Consultancy, who described AI as a magnifier of human intent. He underscored that ethical grounding based on honesty and integrity is indispensable, warning that without moral responsibility, AI could amplify misinformation and bias instead of yielding social benefits.
This view was supported by SMIU lecturer Syed Muhammad Hassan Zaidi, who observed that many learners seek easy solutions rather than building a deep understanding of subjects. He asserted that familiarity with AI tools must be paired with a firm grasp of their underlying concepts to ensure responsible usage.
Speaking on the shifting role of educators, Software Engineer Faiza Yousuf stated that teachers and trainers are more crucial than ever. In an age of instant information, she said, their role is to facilitate learners in evaluating the reliability of data and applying knowledge responsibly. She noted that modern educational programmes, especially those for women and youth, must prioritise analytical skills, as engagement with books directly enhances a learner”s ability to use AI tools meaningfully.
From a governance perspective, Noor Ahmed Somo, Secretary of the Training Management and Research Wing, shared practical examples of AI-driven initiatives in Sindh. He detailed how AI-supported solutions improved coordination and service delivery in municipal departments and flood-affected areas, including a collaboration with Meta to connect citizens through WhatsApp-based platforms. He added that the Government of Sindh has initiated structured programmes to train public-sector employees in AI tools to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The panel, moderated by SMIU Assistant Professor Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, concluded that sustainable educational governance requires a balanced approach that integrates technology with ethics and digital tools with a strong culture of lifelong learning. The experts collectively affirmed that AI should serve as an enabler of human intellect, not a substitute for critical thought.
The session concluded with the Dean of SMIU, Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, awarding souvenirs to the guest speakers.