Dr Imran Aziz Tunio
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 strong institutions and clear regulations to prevent misuse of data and ensure privacy. Without protections, AI could become a tool for surveillance rather than empowerment. Pakistan’s young generation is its supreme asset, but the education system is under strain. AI can transform learning through tailored education, adaptive courses and digital tutoring. Students in remote areas can access quality content through AI-powered platforms, bridging gaps in teacher availability. AI can also help policymakers identify learning deficiencies and design targeted interventions. Yet these benefits require investment in digital infrastructure and teacher training. Without these, AI risks widening the urban-rural divide.
Water scarcity is one of Pakistan’s most critical problems. The Indus Basin is under stress, groundwater tables are falling, and sea water intrusion is damaging the delta. AI can play a critical role in water governance. Predictive models can forecast river flows and floods, helping communities prepare. Remote sensing and AI-powered monitoring can track groundwater extraction and detect illegal pumping. Smart irrigation scheduling can reduce waste and improve efficiency. Regular water audits, supported by AI, can ensure accountability in allocation and protect lower riparian communities. Integrating AI into water management is not optional; it is crucial for resilience.
Agriculture consumes more than 90% of Pakistan’s freshwater, yet irrigation efficiency remains below 40%. AI can help farmers optimize water use, predict crop yields, and manage pests. Machine learning tools can identify soil health issues and recommend solutions. AI-driven advisory systems can guide farmers on crop choices based on water availability and market demand. By modernizing agriculture with AI, Pakistan can reduce its crop water footprint and protect ecosystems while maintaining food security. However, this requires reforming subsidies that encourage water-intensive crops and investing in farmer training.
Pakistan stands at a crossroads. AI offers the potential to strengthen governance, transform education, secure water resources and modernize agriculture, but the risks of exclusion, misuse and ecological damage are real. The World Development Report 2026 makes clear that AI must be managed wisely through evidence-based policies, strong institutions and inclusive strategies. Pakistan faces a water deficit but a calorie surplus, producing food at the expense of its ecosystems.
AI can help address this contradiction by improving efficiency, guiding trade decisions and protecting the Indus Delta. The choice is clear: continue outdated practices and risk collapse, or pursue reform and resilience through AI-driven inclusive development. With political will and smart investments, AI can become a tool of progress, ensuring Pakistan’s future is intelligent and sustainable.
—The writer is a researcher, and a development and water sector professional.
