The growing excitement around artificial intelligence (AI) often brings with it a fear: that machines will eventually take over human jobs. This narrative looks captivating but overlooks far more transformative potential of the AI-its ability to collaborate with humans, rather than replace them. This concept has been known as ‘Collaborative Intelligence’. It is the future of work. By combining the unique strengths of humans—creativity, empathy, and complex decision-making- AI can augment human abilities, which could lead to unprecedented productivity and innovation. However, in Pakistan, there is a significant gap in how AI and technology are perceived, which often leads to resistance toward adopting tech-driven solutions.
A Harvard Business Review (HBR) article highlighted the term Collaborative Intelligence, emphasising that the future of work will involve humans and AI collaborating rather than competing. The article states that AI is especially trained for data processing, pattern recognition, and handling repetitive tasks, whereas humans excel in creativity, emotional intelligence, and understanding context. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, HBR suggests it should be seen as a valuable tool that boosts human abilities, fostering innovation and improving efficiency.
AI can help humans achieve more by automating tedious tasks, making predictions, and providing data-driven insights. This allows humans to focus on higher-level thinking, complex problem-solving, and more ‘human-centric tasks’—skills that are difficult, if not impossible, for AI to replicate. The partnership between humans and AI, therefore, holds the key to unlocking new potentials, increasing productivity, and even creating entirely new industries.
While the potential for Collaborative Intelligence is immense globally, Pakistan faces unique challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of AI and technology. One major factor is the lack of awareness and understanding of AI’s capabilities. Many Pakistanis still see AI as an abstract concept rather than a tool that can be integrated into daily life. This mindset limits the scope of AI applications, particularly in fields such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and even agriculture, where AI-driven improvements could yield significant advancements. Another challenge is the country’s limited investment in education and training. While Pakistan’s youth demographic is one of the country’s greatest assets, the majority of them are not adequately equipped with the digital skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered world.
According to a World Economic Forum report, Pakistan ranks low in digital literacy, and a substantial portion of its workforce lacks the skills required for jobs that involve technology or automation. Moreover, the lack of infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, access to modern computing devices, and AI-friendly platforms, further complicates the situation. Many rural areas of Pakistan are still in the early stages of digital transformation, making it difficult to implement AI-driven large-scale solutions.
Cognitive dissonance or hesitation to embrace AI in Pakistan could be attributed to several cultural and societal factors. The fear of job loss is at the forefront of this reluctance. The myth that AI will lead to mass unemployment remains prevalent, especially in sectors like manufacturing and customer service. However, this fear is largely unfounded. Research has consistently shown that AI may automate certain tasks, but it creates new roles and industries that require human intervention. In fact, a McKinsey report suggested that AI will create 58 million new jobs by 2025, many of which will be focused on overseeing AI systems, solving complex problems, and interacting with customers in human-centric ways.
Another reason for the reluctance is the fear of change. Pakistan has historically lagged in embracing technological advancements. Many industries in the country operate on outdated practices. There is also a fear that adopting technology and AI could require a complete overhaul of systems and processes, which could be costly and disruptive.
To truly benefit from Collaborative Intelligence, Pakistan needs to take several crucial steps. First, there must be a shift in mindset—from viewing AI as a threat to recognising it as a tool for empowerment. Educational institutions can play a critical role in bridging this gap by integrating AI and digital skills into the curriculum at an early stage. Specialisation programs and certifications in AI and data science can equip the workforce with the skills needed to complement AI technologies. Second, the government can facilitate AI adoption by investing in infrastructure and offering incentives to businesses that incorporate AI into their operations.
Public-private partnerships can also help foster a culture of innovation, where AI is not seen as a competitor but as a partner that enhances human capability. Third, industry leaders must take the initiative to engage with AI technologies in such a manner that integrates human expertise. Rather than replacing workers, AI should be viewed as a force that frees up human talent to focus on high-value, complex tasks rather than routine work. In Pakistan’s context, Collaborative Intelligence offers a pathway to harness the power of both human ingenuity and artificial intelligence. By overcoming the fears surrounding job displacement and focusing on AI as an enabler rather than a replacement, Pakistan can build a future where technology and people work hand in hand. Instead of running from AI, Pakistan has an opportunity to lead the way in demonstrating how humans and machines can collaborate to create a prosperous, innovative, and sustainable future.
