Metro53 - LAHORE: Adviser to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives, Ali Dar, has said that artificial intelligence (AI) will expand employment opportunities rather than reduce them, as the technology is expected to boost productivity and drive economic growth across multiple sectors.
Speaking in a special interview with senior anchorperson Farukh Shahbaz Warraich, Mr Dar addressed criticism surrounding his appointment as adviser and revealed that he had been involved in several government projects behind the scenes long before formally assuming the role.
He disclosed that shortly after Maryam Nawaz took oath as Chief Minister of Punjab, she personally contacted him and asked him to return from the United Arab Emirates to assist her administration.
“After taking office, she called me and said, ‘Wrap up your affairs and come back to Pakistan. I need your support,’” Mr Dar said, adding that he spent nearly a year and a half working on key initiatives behind the scenes before being officially appointed adviser on AI and special initiatives.
Highlighting the growing importance of AI, Mr Dar said that meaningful progress in the future would be impossible without embracing the technology. He noted that AI would play a transformative role in healthcare, education, agriculture, industry and business, helping organisations improve efficiency and reduce operational losses.
He maintained that AI-driven innovation would provide a significant boost to industry and economic activity, creating new opportunities rather than replacing workers.
“Employment opportunities will not decrease because of AI. Instead, businesses will become more efficient, losses will be reduced and many processes will become easier to manage,” he said.
Mr Dar stressed that governments and businesses must adapt to emerging technologies to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.
