AI is the new power

We are currently witnessing an era of unprecedented growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is projected to surpass $800 billion in market value within the next few years (‘The race for AI supremacy’, The News, February 20, 2025).

This global race has evolved into not only an economic competition but also a high-stakes geopolitical struggle among the world’s leading superpowers. The prevailing belief is that whoever controls AI will dominate the world. On the other hand, many experts believe that in addition to economic growth, the AI race will ultimately lead humanity towards mass unemployment, global conflict — and even extinction.

Beyond the current AI landscape, nations and corporations are rushing to create the next generation AI — Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), also known as Agentic AI.

AGI is envisioned as a ‘virtual superhuman’ with unparalleled cognitive capabilities. Within a year, experts predict AGI will be capable of performing any task a human can do on a computer — but with greater efficiency, accuracy, and speed. It is estimated that within 2-6 years, AGI could replace entire segments of the workforce with a 50 per cent probability.

The Industrial Revolution rendered human physical labour largely obsolete. Now because of AI, human intelligence itself risks becoming redundant. This shift is particularly alarming because AI is being developed without global regulation, as imposing any regulation was shot down by both the US and the UK at the AI Summit in Paris earlier this year

The next stage of AI evolution — Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) — promises to be an even more profound disruptor. ASI is projected to surpass the combined expertise of the world’s top professionals — CEOs, scientists, engineers, physicians, and researchers — while simultaneously operating with flawless memory, limitless motivation, speaking multiple languages, and being available at an extremely low cost.

Beyond the financial interests of the corporate world, the superpowers now strongly believe that intelligence equals power, and are thus viewing AGI as a military asset which they are scrambling to develop and control. They are aggressively pursuing AI-driven military capabilities, including AI-controlled drones and autonomous weaponry. Military strategists predict that future conflicts will be defined by AI supremacy.

However, the very nature of ASI makes it uncontrollable, and if evolved beyond human oversight, will lead to unforeseen consequences. ASI will not only perform intellectual tasks beyond human capability but will also continuously enhance itself, developing strategies and technologies that far exceed human comprehension. Engaging with ASI would like interacting with a vastly more advanced civilisation.

Once ASI surpasses human intelligence, it could initiate runaway capabilities — progressing at an uncontrollable pace and could, like any advanced entity, seek power for itself. In this case, human control over AI will become obsolete, potentially leading to a self-directed intelligence that reshapes the world on its own terms. Think The Terminator, Avengers, and Eagle Eye all rolled into one.

The level of investment in AI today far surpasses the Apollo Program, which landed humans on the Moon. Tech giants are pouring billions into AI research, employing some of the world’s brightest minds at unprecedented salaries. With quantum computing on the horizon, AI’s advancement is an inevitability.

The long-term implications of ASI could be catastrophic. Experts have cautioned that a unilateral push for ASI dominance by the US could provoke retaliatory action from China, escalating into a high-stakes arms race. Attempting to monopolise ASI development could mirror the nuclear arms race, where a single nation's bid for technological supremacy might trigger preemptive strikes or large-scale conflicts. In the worst-case scenario, such developments could culminate in global warfare and the end of the human race.

Where does Pakistan stand in the AI race? Nowhere. Like the Smiling Buddha spurred Pakistan to develop its nuclear programme for self-defence, today's AI revolution presents a similarly urgent challenge. Pakistan faces the risk of AI-driven cyber warfare, economic exclusion, and strategic vulnerabilities if it fails to act swiftly.

To counter these challenges and capitalise on AI-driven economic opportunities, Pakistan must develop a decisive, multi-pronged AI strategy. One of the most critical steps is the establishment of a National Task Force on AI, led by the prime minister, and including key figures from the public and private sectors. Pakistan must also establish its own data centres under the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) to prevent dependence on foreign-controlled AI infrastructure.

To build an AI-ready workforce, Pakistan must prioritise digital education. The government should invest in digital infrastructure by providing free laptops, smartphones and high-speed internet to university students. Institutions like the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) must undergo major reforms to align with global AI advancements.

A complete overhaul of the IT and computer science curriculum is essential, ensuring that AI, cybersecurity, innovation and entrepreneurship become mandatory subjects for all university students. Pakistan must focus on producing at least one million AI professionals in the coming years, offering AI certifications which are accredited by globally recognised agencies to ensure international credibility.

The future of Pakistan depends on developing a robust AI-driven workforce and fostering a dynamic IT sector. By modernising education, investing in digital infrastructure and reforming outdated policies, Pakistan can secure its future and claim a meaningful share of the global AI market.

If the nation fails to act now, it risks being left vulnerable in a world increasingly shaped by AI. The time to act is now. AI is now a necessity for Pakistan’s survival in the modern era.

The writer is a former senator and former chairperson of the HEC