FROM classrooms in Lahore to farms in Sindh, artificial intelligence (AI) could soon be as common as smartphones if Pakistan uses it wisely. Large Language Models (LLMs) represent one of the most powerful applications of AI.
Many still think of them only as chat-bots, but their potential extends far beyond that. They can reshape Pakistan’s most important sectors by improving efficiency, expanding access to services, and driving innovation. If deployed thoughtfully with due planning, they could bring meaningful change to education, healthcare, agri- culture, finance and public services.
A study in the Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences found that teachers already see the potential for using LLMs to support the learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In classrooms, LLMs can help teachers prepare lesson materials, create practice questions, and give students personalised feedback. English language learners in rural areas, for example, could get additional practice through AI tools after their school hours.
The study noted that simple chat and questioning tools were the most widely used by teachers, while more complex features, like advanced content creation, were less common.
This suggests that straightforward, targeted AI tools could have the fastest impact. Still, teachers must be trained to review and refine AI-generated material to ensure accuracy and relevance. Without this oversight, there is a risk of misinformation or over-reliance on AI.
Similar opportunities exist in health-care, where AI can bridge critical gaps in access to services and improve patient outcomes.
Pakistan has an acute shortage of doctors, particularly in rural and under-served areas. LLM-powered tools could support nurses and other healthcare workers by offering quick symptom checks, translating medical information into local languages, and guiding patients through basic health steps. However, these tools must be carefully tested to protect patient privacy, ensure medical accuracy, and maintain public trust.
Further, AI can transform the vital sector of agriculture by equipping farmers with timely, localised information, including weather forecasts, crop-care advice, and early warnings about plant diseases, all in their own language. This could improve decision-making and boost yields.
Beyond the fields, AI has the potential to modernise Pakistan’s financial system, making banking more secure, accessible and user-friendly. In banking and financial services, LLMs can help detect fraud, improve customer services and analyse risks. Besides, they can simplify complex financial terms for the public, helping more people make informed decisions.
However, realising these benefits across sectors will require overcoming significant challenges, ranging from language biases to limited digital infrastructure.
Research has found that LLMs often behave differently in local languages compared to English. This can lead to unintended biases in how information is presented.
Other such challenges include limited internet access in rural areas, the high cost of AI tools, and the danger of over-
reliance on AI without human oversight. These risks must be addressed before rolling out large-scale AI initiatives.
If Pakistan invests in the right tools, trains its workforce, and ensures fair access, AI could help address some of the most pressing challenges that the country is facing. The technology is ready. It is time for Pakistan to get ready as well.
Khadija Nadeem
Pennsylvania, USA
Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2025