HUMANS desire to train machines to mimic human intelligence is not new. Since ages humans are trying to develop machines which are intelligent not only to perform routine tasks but decide at their own to solve difficult puzzles. Nation states are competing in the realm of advancements in Artificial intelligence to maximize their power. Efforts are in hand to train sophisticated machines to inflict maximum harm to adversary while averting own losses by developing Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS).
The technological advancements particularly increased computing power and availability of huge data has made it possible to develop sophisticated algorithms. The neural networks once regarded as just academic tools have become more sophisticated and are greatly influencing emergence of new domains in Artificial intelligence, such as Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI). Generative AI refers to a subset of artificial intelligence that involves creating new content, such as images, text, music, and more, rather than simply analyzing or interpreting existing data. It uses machine learning models, particularly generative models, to produce outputs that are novel and often indistinguishable from human-created content.
The core technology underneath this GAI revolution is availability of pre-trained enormous data commonly known as Large Language Models or LLMs. The tech giants such as OpenAI (ChatGPT), Google (Gemini) and Meta (Llama) are leading providers of these LLMs. The unprecedented availability of large data has given rise to new advancements in the domain of computational power. It is estimated that Stock of tech giant Nvidia will rise to $10 trillion as millions of Graphical Processing Units (GPU) based data centres are coming. This rise of dependence on GPUs is due to training of large models which will become integral part of computing in near future.
Pakistan is one of the youngest population in the world with more than 64 percent of population is between 15 to 29 years of age. Pakistan has healthy internet penetration rate with almost 50 percent of the population is provided with internet connectivity. The literacy rate of the country is more than 60 per cent. These indicators are positive signals to launch Pakistan as a country ready to lead in international freelancing market. The landscape of Pakistan’s economy has been significantly reshaped by the boom in freelance sector, which has emerged as a vital force in the nation’s economic narrative. The proliferation of freelancers in Pakistan is redefining the traditional employment paradigm.
With over 1.5 million freelancers contributing to the economy, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in digital entrepreneurship and a diversification of its economic activities. Data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) highlights the importance of the freelance sector in bolstering the country’s foreign exchange reserves. In the fiscal year 2023-24, IT and IT-enabled services, a large component of the freelance economy, contributed over $3.2 billion to the country’s export earnings. This marks a 24% year-on-year increase, amounting to an additional $627 million compared to the previous fiscal year. Pakistan contribution in international freelance market is also significant. The country is fourth largest contributor in international freelance market.
It is also worth noting that different factors and challenges are leading to enormous exodus of young generation of the country to abroad for seeking better future. To prevent this brain drain, tangible measures are required. Cognizant of this situation steps at government and non-governmental levels are being taken to equip people of this country with modern technologies of Generative AI, as expertise in Gen AI are in great demand particularly at internal freelancing market. These measures will help people of this country to cope with economic challenges and will enable them to contribute in progress and propriety of the country as well.
The Presidential Initiative for Artificial Intelligence and Computing (PIAIC) which was started in 2018 is being patronized by successive governments has enormously contributed to impart latest knowledge on Generative AI and allied technology stacks. The enthusiasm displayed by aspirants to join this program is an indicator that PIAIC has kindled the hope for people of this country specially for those who want to earn through freelancing. The graduates of PIAIC are significantly contributing towards national economy by their hard work, dedication and motivations infused by the PIAC. Similarly, some other programs like Innovista and Skills to Hope are greatly contributing to impart skills necessary for freelancing
Pakistan has faced enormous economic challenges in recent past. But the determination and resilience of people of this country averted any economic collapse. The bumper wheat crop by farmers of this land significant contribution by freelancing sector are beacon of hope. It is imperative that government should provide conducive environment for sustained growth of these two major economic contributor of this country.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
