Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to significantly alter the employment landscape in Pakistan, particularly within the services sector. According to a new report by the World Bank titled "Job Opportunities and AI in Pakistan," approximately 61% of service sector employees work in roles with above-median exposure to AI technologies. While the technology offers a path toward increased productivity, it also brings concerns regarding job stability and the need for new skills.
Sectors most at risk
The impact of AI is not uniform across the economy. The World Bank notes that more than 80% of workers in specific fields—including wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance, real estate, and education—hold positions with high AI exposure. In contrast, traditional sectors like agriculture and manufacturing show much lower vulnerability. Only 7% of manufacturing workers and less than 1% of agricultural workers face similar levels of exposure to automated systems.
Replacement versus collaboration
High exposure to AI does not automatically translate to job losses. The report distinguishes between roles where AI replaces human effort and those where it complements it. Around 18% of Pakistan's workforce occupies jobs where AI can act as a collaborative tool, helping employees perform tasks more efficiently.
However, about 8% of workers are in highly exposed occupations that have limited potential for human-AI collaboration. These roles are considered at the highest risk of being replaced by automated processes. The World Bank suggests that sectors like real estate and education are better positioned to benefit from AI assistance, whereas wholesale and retail trade face a more complex balance of risk and opportunity.
Future of the labour market
While Pakistan’s average occupational AI exposure score in 2024 was 0.48 standard deviations below the global median, the rapid adoption of these tools is expected to reshape the labour market. The report emphasizes that the primary challenge for the government and private sector will be managing this transition to ensure that AI acts as a driver for economic growth rather than a cause for widespread unemployment.
Aasan alfaaz mein
World Bank ki nayi report ke mutabiq, Pakistan mein kaam karne walay 61% log jo services sector se juray hain, unki naukriyo par AI ka asar par sakta hai. Finance, education, aur retail mein kaam karne walon ko sab se zyada khatra hai. Lekin iska matlab ye nahi ke sab ki naukri chali jayegi; bohat se log AI ki madad se apna kaam behtar kar saken ge. Sirf 8% log aise hain jin ki jagah AI le sakta hai.
