ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is no longer an aloof idea. It is already shaping economies, governance, and social systems globally. The World Bank’s World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence emphasizes how AI can accelerate growth, improve public services, and expand access to knowledge. For Pakistan, a country facing challenges in governance, education, water management, and agriculture, AI offers both promise and threat.

The question is not whether AI will reach, but how it will be managed to safeguard comprehensive and sustainable development. Pakistan’s governance system struggles with inefficiency, corruption, and weak service delivery. AI can help strengthen transparency and accountability. Tools that monitor public spending, detect irregularities, and track project implementation can reduce leakages and build trust. AI- driven platforms can also improve citizen engagement, allowing real-time feedback on services.

However, this requires........

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