ISLAMABAD: The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) recently hosted a seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence and National Security.”
The event aimed to explore the transformative impact of AI on national security, highlighting both its potential benefits and emerging risks for Pakistan.
Air Vice Marshal Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal, CPD & DG PR National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the dual nature of technology, capable of both destruction and salvation, drawing parallels with historical technological advancements like airplanes.
Dr. Iqbal discussed the importance of technological advancement, reflecting on past contributions to industrialization and ongoing efforts by the Pakistan Air Force to stay at the forefront of aerospace technology. He highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to innovation through collaborations with Turkish firms and the establishment of the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP).
In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed AI’s transformative potential for security, including enhanced predictive analytics, intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, and border security. He also noted the importance of human oversight in decision-making and cautioned against AI’s risks, such as exploitation and disinformation. Ambassador Mahmood advocated for a robust ethical framework and international collaboration to address these challenges effectively.
Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director of ACDC, opened the seminar by discussing AI’s potential to address national security challenges, boost socio-economic development, and meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized the need for Pakistan to harness AI’s full potential for its national security and economic needs.
Air Commodore Dr. Irteza Ali Khan explored AI’s military applications, including cyber operations, autonomous weapons, and data-driven warfare. He advocated for indigenous AI development to safeguard data integrity and national security.
Ghazala Yasmin Jalil discussed the implications of AI in nuclear deterrence, highlighting the risks of an AI-Nuclear security dilemma and the potential for increased nuclear conflict. She called for international discussions to set limits on AI in nuclear weapons.
Dr. Sumaira Kausar addressed AI’s role in socio-economic development, noting its potential to drive economic growth and improve various sectors. She also pointed out challenges such as ethical concerns and job displacement, recommending global standards, investment in education, and stakeholder engagement in AI policy development.
Khwaja Mohammad Ali focused on AI and cybersecurity, noting AI’s role in enhancing threat detection and the challenges faced by developing states in adopting these technologies. He emphasized the need for international cooperation and fostering indigenous innovation in AI and cybersecurity.
Air Commodore Dr. Waseem Qutub discussed ethical considerations and international regulations regarding AI and Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). He stressed compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the UN Charter, highlighting the importance of human accountability and robust cybersecurity measures.
The seminar concluded with a Q&A session addressing various topics, including AI’s role in education, the importance of human oversight, and comparative progress in AI across developing countries.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors ISSI, concluded the seminar by emphasizing the rapid advancements in AI and emerging technologies. He called for global accountability to prevent misuse and promote public welfare.
