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AI: Progress or peril?
I am writing to express concern about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its impact on employment and society. While AI enhances efficiency in fields like finance and healthcare, it also poses significant risks to jobs. According to a McKinsey Global Institute study, up to 375 million workers may need to change jobs by 2027 due to AI-driven automation.
Globally, sectors like manufacturing and customer service are at significant risk, even if specific cases in Pakistan aren’t well-documented. For instance, the ice cream parlour “REIs IRVY’s” in Thailand operates entirely without human intervention, showcasing AI’s impact on jobs. Major companies, such as Microsoft, have cut thousands of jobs due to AI integration, with 3,900 layoffs in May 2023 alone.
AI also raises privacy, ethics and security concerns due to its reliance on vast amounts of data. This underscores the need for robust policies on data usage. To address these challenges, collaboration between government and the private sector is essential to promote responsible AI implementation, safeguard jobs and ensure fair distribution of AI’s benefits.
ZAHRA HASSAN
Lahore
Paris Olympics
Kinzang Lhamo of Bhutan might have reached the finishing line last in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics; but indeed she has won the hearts of all for her tenacity perseverance and “never say defeat” attitude!
Surely she had comprehended much before the end of the race that even a Bronze medal would not be garnered; yet she continued to remain in the competition instead of quitting, ultimately completing the entire 26.2 mile course in 3 hours 52 minutes and 59 seconds!
Indeed what a message has the “last woman running” Lhamo imparted to the world! Instead of looking forward to the ultimate result, we must utilise our capabilities to the maximum, possessing the positive mindset of accomplishing the task in hand in a consistent fashion without expressing lethargy or indulging in short cuts! And also there lies no disgrace in coming “last” in any field of life, provided the effort was honest sincere enough.
Bhutan has gifted lot of treasures to the world – – the unique concept of Gross National Happiness being the one, measuring development through the prism of parameters like health education ecology environment instead of engaging in statistical jugglery of Gross Domestic Product. Bhutan has exemplified what the essence of democracy is all about with the Royals voluntarily relinquishing power in their own accord so that the citizens can form their own government through free and fair polls.
And now Kinzang Lhamo arrives as the latest gift from the “tiny” country possessed with a Himalayan heart. Lhamo (Olympic being her first international tournament in life), aged merely 26, has literally miles to go/run and surely with more exposure and experience gained will fly the flag of Bhutan in international sphere in a much glorious height, possibly even bringing the country’s first Olympic medal as well.
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
Proper waste management
In a world where development is at its peak, most developed and developing countries have garbage trucks with proper coverings to contain waste. Unfortunately, Pakistan, despite being a developing nation, lacks this essential facility. As a result, garbage is left exposed, and workers sit on top of the trucks, collecting waste from each house along the way.
No one takes action to address this issue. While it might be a source of income for the poor, this unsanitary method of waste collection poses significant health and environmental risks. The lack of proper waste management infrastructure not only affects the well-being of the workers but also the overall hygiene and cleanliness of the community. The exposed garbage attracts pests and contributes to the spread of diseases. The workers who handle the waste without adequate protection are at a high risk of infections and respiratory problems. The residents, too, suffer from the constant foul odours and the potential health hazards associated with improper waste disposal.
Improving this system would not only provide a cleaner environment but also enhance the quality of life for both the workers and the residents. It is essential for authorities to recognize the importance of proper waste management and take steps to implement covered garbage trucks and better waste disposal methods.
This change could lead to a healthier, more pleasant living environment for everyone. Public awareness and community involvement are crucial in addressing this issue. People need to be educated about importance of proper waste disposal and benefits of a cleaner environment. By working together, community can push for necessary changes and ensure a safer, cleaner environment for all.
ROYYAM SAQIB
Islamabad
