By Nuzair Ahmed Jamro

It is true that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant technological promise; it is a present force reshaping how modern states function. Across the world, governments are steadily moving from manual, paper-heavy administration toward intelligent, data-driven systems capable of real-time decision-making. The question is no longer whether AI will transform governance, but whether countries like Pakistan will adapt before the gap becomes irreversible.

In fact, the Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence such as analysis, prediction, and decision support. In public administration, AI is becoming the backbone of efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. As the saying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention,” and in today’s governance landscape, necessity is unmistakably digital.

Yet in Pakistan, administrative systems still rely heavily on manual processes, fragmented digital tools, and slow bureaucratic procedures. Citizens face delays in land records, taxation, pensions, and licensing. Files continue to move at a pace that belongs to a bygone era. In such a system, inefficiency is not accidental but structural.

However, the consequences are serious. Delays weaken institutional credibility, frustrate citizens, and create space for discretionary inefficiencies. As the proverb goes, “justice delayed is justice denied,” and in governance, service delayed is trust denied. Indeed, it remains the basic bone of contention between citizens and the state slow delivery versus rising expectations.

At last, Pakistan, developing state, is not without potential. With over 140 million internet users, expanding digital infrastructure, and a young population, the country possesses a strong foundation for transformation—if properly harnessed. Where there is a will, there is always a way; and in all walks of life, digital willpower determines developmental direction.

Global Evidence: AI as a Governance Imperative

International institutions have already established the governance value of Artificial Intelligence. As the World Bank (Digital Progress and Trends Report, 2025) highlights that AI and digital technologies significantly enhance public sector productivity, institutional performance, and service delivery, particularly in developing economies. It stresses that digital governance is now essential for economic transformation.

Similarly, the OECD (Governing with Artificial Intelligence, 2025) notes that AI improves efficiency by automating routine tasks, strengthening financial management, and enabling evidence-based policymaking while reducing administrative bottlenecks and increasing transparency.

Moreover, The UNDP (Digital Governance Report, 2024) emphasizes that digital transformation is critical for inclusive development, institutional resilience, and reducing inequality in developing countries.  Further, UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 underscores that strong institutions, transparency, and accountability are only possible through modern governance systems supported by digital infrastructure.  Although the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index (2019–2021) is discontinued, its historical findings remain relevant: digitally advanced countries consistently achieved higher investor confidence, faster regulatory approvals, and stronger institutional performance. The global message is consistent and clear that AI is not optional; it is structural.

Fortunately, Countries that adopted AI early are already witnessing measurable transformation. A dramatic new development in global governance shows that digital states outperform traditional bureaucracies in both speed and transparency.

The United Arab Emirates has integrated AI under its national strategy, introducing paperless systems, smart policing, and automated public services, resulting in faster delivery and improved investor confidence.

Singapore uses AI in transport, taxation, and urban planning; creating a predictive governance model that adjusts policies in real time.

China has deployed AI in urban governance and infrastructure planning, improving administrative coordination and decision speed. On the other hand, India, through its Digital India initiative (2015 onward), has integrated AI-enabled systems in biometric identification, digital payments, and welfare distribution, significantly reducing leakages and improving transparency. The lesson is simple yet powerful: where governance is digitized, efficiency follows; where it is not, stagnation persists.

Pakistan’s Digital Transition: Progress without Integration

Pakistan, Struggling for Economic survival, has introduced digital reforms such as NADRA biometric systems, online tax filing, and e-governance portals. However, these remain isolated initiatives rather than part of an integrated governance ecosystem and there is more room for improvement.

As a result, governance remains fragmented. Decision-making is largely reactive rather than predictive. Apart from it, administrative inefficiencies continue to persist across institutions.

The issue is not absence of tools but absence of integration. It is, in fact, a law and order situation of governance itself effective systems exist, but coordination remains weak.

What AI Can Deliver: Evidence-Based Gains

As of the findings from the World Bank (2025), OECD (2025), and UNDP (2024), structured AI adoption can produce measurable improvements for Pakistan, Islamic State in following ways such as 20–40% reduction in administrative delays, 15–30% improvement in tax collection efficiency, 10–25% reduction in corruption-related inefficiencies, 1.5–3% annual GDP productivity gains not last but least, Improved investor confidence and regulatory efficiency. To cut to the chase, these are not theoretical claim but they are evidence-based global outcomes.

Core Challenge: Implementation, Not Technology

Pakistan’s real challenge is not technology but implementation. Policy inconsistency, weak coordination, and limited institutional capacity continue to hinder reform. As the saying goes, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” In Pakistan’s case, the weakest link is governance capacity. Consequently, even well-designed systems often remain confined to paperwork rather than implementation in letter and spirit.

Way Forward for state: Building an AI-Enabled State

First, Pakistan must prioritize AI integration in taxation, policing, healthcare, education, and energy sectors directly affecting citizens. Second, civil service training must be modernized to include digital governance and data-driven decision-making.

Third, a National AI Governance Framework aligned with OECD (2025) and UNDP (2024) standards should be established to ensure policy continuity. Fourth, public-private partnerships must be strengthened to develop local AI solutions tailored to Pakistan’s needs.

Fifth, AI-based project management systems should be introduced in public development projects to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Conclusion: From Stagnation to Transformation

As of today, Pakistan, facing security threats, stands at a defining crossroads. It can either continue incremental reforms or move toward structural transformation through AI-driven governance. Drastic times call for drastic measures, and the situation facing the country calls for extraordinary institutional response.

It is high time that federal and provincial governments work in tandem, with empathy and with technology. The federal government must establish a central AI governance framework to ensure policy consistency, while provinces must focus on implementation through smart service delivery systems in revenue, policing, healthcare, and local governance.

Moreover, both levels of government must invest in human capital. Civil servants should be trained in digital governance, universities must produce AI-skilled professionals, and public-private partnerships should be expanded. Without capacity building, even the best systems remain underutilized.

It is imperative to recognize that, the expected benefits are substantial: faster service delivery, reduced corruption, improved tax collection, stronger investor confidence, and enhanced transparency. Economically, AI can increase productivity; socially, it can expand access to essential services; administratively, it can modernize governance. Despite the impending challenges, emerging economies like Pakistan cannot afford stagnation. Necessity is the mother of invention, and every crisis carries within it the seed of opportunity.

Beyond systems and statistics lies hope. Even the situation is bleak, every dark cloud has silver lining. With vision, coordination, and political will, the developing state like Pakistan can transition from a struggling developing structure toward a modern and eventually developed digital state. As history shows, nations are not defined by their limitations but by their ability to overcome them. As the final truth remains: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Read: Artificial Intelligence: The Creative Void

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Nuzair Ahmed Jamro, hailing from Shikarpur, Sindh, is MS Research Fellow in Public Administration with a strong interest in governance reforms, digital transformation, and public policy analysis. He regularly contributes articles on administrative efficiency, economic development, and institutional reforms. He can be reached at: najamro@gmail.com

The post Pakistan’s Digital Turning Point first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Out of 1,698 Govt. Schools, 72 have no building, 33 schools are run under the trees, and 439 buildings have been declared dangerous, posing serious safety risks to students and staff
• 843 schools lack drinking water facilities. Electricity is unavailable in 826 schools, 268 schools do not have toilets for students.

By Allah Bux Khushik

Dadu, Sindh

A comprehensive annual census of government schools in Dadu has laid bare a distressing picture of neglected infrastructure and missing basic facilities across the district.

The district’s Chief Monitoring Officer (CMO) of Education, Deen Muhammad Shahani, prepared a detailed monitoring report after inspecting 1,698 government schools, and the document has now been shared with the Education Department, the Deputy Commissioner, and other relevant authorities.

According to the census report, 1504 schools are run in their own government buildings while 64 schools exist in shared government buildings. One school is run in a rented house while three each in madressas and mosques. Overall 72 schools have no buildings, 32 schools have katcha structure of mud bricks, and 33 schools have makeshift arrangements, 6 schools are run in tents and 33 under the trees.

The key points of the report are:

Dangerous buildings: Of the inspected schools, 439 buildings have been declared dangerous, posing serious safety risks to students and staff. In addition, 138 school buildings were found to be partially dangerous.

No building on site: 72 schools operate without any building at all, forcing the use of inadequate makeshift arrangements for classes.

Closed facilities: Due to the absence of essential facilities, 49 schools have been completely closed, and 20 temporary schools have also been closed.

Ongoing construction: 56 schools are still under construction, indicating delays in getting needed facilities into operation.

Boundary walls: 558 schools do not have boundary walls, and 98 have boundary walls in dangerous condition, compromising security and discipline.

Water and utilities: A staggering 843 schools lack drinking water facilities. Electricity is unavailable in 826 schools, and 162 schools have severely limited access to power.

Sanitation and furniture: A substantial number of schools lack toilets for students, and many lack essential furniture required for teaching and learning; 268 schools do not have toilets for students.

Overall impact: The monitoring team’s findings underscore that the quality of education cannot improve unless basic facilities are provided and unsafe or non-operational structures are addressed promptly.

Implications and urgent call to action

Education experts have warned that the ongoing deficiencies threaten not only student safety but also learning outcomes and the district’s educational future. The CMOs office notes that delays in repair work and the provision of facilities may pose a serious risk to thousands of students’ futures if immediate action is not taken.

Administrative response

The Chief Monitoring Officer stated that the complete report has been forwarded to key authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, the District Education Officer, and the XEN Works, for immediate action. The report emphasizes that timely repairs, construction completions, and provision of essential facilities are critical to safeguarding students and improving the quality of education in Dadu.

These findings come amid broader nationwide concerns about the state of government school infrastructure in various regions. In Dadu, the scale of deficiencies highlighted by this census indicates systemic challenges requiring coordinated, timely interventions from district and provincial authorities.

Let’s watch whether the Deputy Commissioner and District Education Office announce a concrete action plan with timelines and budget allocations; Updates on the status of the 439 dangerous buildings and the 72 schools operating without any building; Progress in completing the 56 ongoing construction projects and repairs for the 314 urgent repair sites; and initiatives to install boundary walls, provide drinking water, electricity, toilets, and furniture across affected schools.

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Read: Deterioration of Education in Sindh

The post Education: Sindh Govt.’s Tall Claims Stand Exposed first appeared on Sindh Courier.

 Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

As the first Ashra of the holy month of Ramadan concludes, the streets of the Islamic Republic are marred with scenes of chaos and lawlessness. Despite the teachings of Ramadan emphasizing sacrifice and peace for all, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Skyrocketing prices of essential items have turned the act of daily sustenance into a luxury for many. Those who can afford to do so are hoarding essential goods, leaving limited stock for the less fortunate, who often return home empty-handed. Amid this scarcity, even finding safe water to break the fast becomes a challenge for the poorest of the poor. Despite these pressing issues, the newly elected government has failed to implement any meaningful measures to control market prices and to ensure fair distribution of essential items. The absence of reflection and proactive steps from the authorities has exacerbated the situation, plunging the streets into further disorder. Law and order have deteriorated to alarming levels, with incidents of street snatching becoming disturbingly commonplace. The sense of security that should accompany the holy month has been shattered, leaving citizens vulnerable and fearful.

The government must take urgent action to address these pressing concerns.

Despite the challenges, there are also stories of resilience and solidarity emerging from within communities. People are coming together to support one another, sharing whatever resources they have and offering a helping hand to those in need. Charitable organizations like the Fast Rural Development Program and individual philanthropy are stepping up their efforts to assist the most vulnerable segments of society. From food drives to makeshift community kitchens with Sehri and Iftari arrangements, provision of drinking water solutions, constructing shelters, and distributing clothes initiatives are springing up to fill the gaps left. As the nation navigates through these turbulent times, everyone must come together in solidarity and compassion. By standing united and extending a helping hand to those in need, we can overcome the challenges before us and emerge stronger, reaffirming the values of peace, justice, and equality that lie at the heart of Ramadan.

As Ramadan progresses, the government must take urgent action to address these pressing concerns. Failure to do so not only undermines the spirit of sacrifice and peace promoted by the holy month but also threatens the well-being and security of the entire populace.

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Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo, based in Hyderabad, is a specialist in Institutional Development, MEAL, and Fundraising.  

The post Does humanity still prevail? first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• Feb. 8 election results have left no mainstream political party in a position to form governments without the support of smaller groups
• Regional and religiopolitical parties such as MQM-P and JUI will be crucial in determining who gets to head Pakistan’s central and provincial governments

Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Sindh, Pakistan

As Pakistan’s three mainstream political forces rush to stitch together coalitions after the Feb. 8 general elections, smaller parties find themselves playing an unexpected make-or-break role in the formation of the next government.

Several regional and religiopolitical parties with a few seats between them will be crucial in determining who gets to head the central and provincial governments.

These include the Muttahida Quami Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and the Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q).

In the overall results, independent candidates, mostly backed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, won the majority of seats – 101 – in the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament.

However, they do not have the required numbers to form a government on their own.

The two other main parties, ex-Premier Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have started talks for a possible coalition government.

They won 75 and 54 out of the 266 direct National Assembly seats, respectively.

The National Assembly has a total of 336 seats, with 60 reserved for women and 10 for religious minorities.

Also read: Politics in Pakistan: Disconnected Dots

These are proportionately distributed among parties according to their election performance. Any party that wants its leader as prime minister will need 169 votes in the house.

A party requires 169 seats to form the government with a simple majority, which is currently impossible for any of the mainstream parties without the support of smaller groups.

To form the central government, the PML-N is trying to woo the MQM-P, a regional party mainly based in the country’s commercial capital Karachi, which has 17 lawmakers in the new parliament.

JUI, a mainstream religiopolitical party, and PML-Q, a splinter faction of PML-N, have won only four and three seats in the National Assembly, respectively, but their votes will still be decisive for the formation of governments, mainly in the southwestern Balochistan and Pakistan’s largest Punjab province.

In Balochistan particularly, a coalition government is usually formed with the help of multiple smaller parties.

However, in southern Sindh and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces, the PPP and the PTI-backed independents are in a comfortable position to form the provincial governments for a fourth and third consecutive term, respectively.

In KP, PTI affiliates have won a two-thirds majority, but need to join a party to form the government.

For that, their only choice seems to be Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), another religiopolitical party, which has won only two seats in the KP assembly.

The PTI and JI remained coalition partners in KP from 2013 to 2018.

Independents emerge as ‘game-changers’

The PTI remains adamant that the candidates it supported will remain loyal and not join other parties.

However, other political forces are courting these individuals, confident that they can make them switch their allegiance.

In reality, independents can either join a party favored by Khan or choose to support his opponents. This would also increase the number of reserved seats for the respective parties.

In any case, the independents can be counted as game-changers, especially the “Cheena Group,” a conglomerate of so-called “electables,” who always contest independently from different constituencies in Punjab and later join the central and provincial governments.

This time too, these electables have managed to clinch eight National Assembly and over two dozen provincial assembly seats.

Six independent National Assembly members, including one PTI-backed individual, and several newly elected Punjab Assembly lawmakers have already joined the PML-N, boosting its position in the two houses.

 ‘A message of national unity’

Abdul Khalique Ali, a Karachi-based political analyst, believes this politicking and the increased prominence of smaller and regional forces is good for Pakistan’s democracy.

“Pakistan is a multiethnic country, where each region has its own peculiar political and social dynamics. In several regions, local people do not feel comfortable with the mainstream political parties, instead they go with local groups or parties,” Ali explained to Anadolu.

These regional groups, he said, are more connected with the locals, compared to the mainstream political parties that are always more focused on larger national issues.

“This is the reason these smaller parties and groups are still relevant in the politics, and their inclusion in federal and provincial governments sends a message of national unity,” he asserted.

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist. He represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 13.02.2024)  

The post Smaller parties take center stage as Pakistan waits for next government first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Astana

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed the entire government of Kazakhstan, the press service of the President of Kazakhstan announced.

The reason for this decision is not specified. The public was anticipating February 7, when an expanded meeting of the Government of the country with the participation of the head of state was scheduled. However, the Cabinet of Ministers was dismissed earlier than expected.

The entire composition of the cabinet will continue to work with the prefix “acting” until the new composition is approved.

Tokayev has temporarily entrusted the duties of the Prime Minister to Roman Vasilyevich Sklyar. As the First Deputy Prime Minister in the government of Prime Minister Smailov, he held the position of First Deputy Head of the Government of Kazakhstan.

“In accordance with Article 70 of the Constitution of Kazakhstan, I decree: accept the resignation of the government,” said President Tokayev in the decree.

“Members of the government of Kazakhstan are to continue performing their duties until the approval of the new composition,” ordered the President of Kazakhstan.

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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on February 5, 2024)

The post Government of Kazakhstan unexpectedly dismissed first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

The recent flood of 2022 and the pandemic have put immense pressure on the government, with many citizens struggling to make ends meet. While the government did deploy significant financial and policy resources to protect people and businesses during the pandemic, its response to the flood was lacking. Economic recession and political instability have left little room for fiscal spending on social considerations, which civil society organizations have called for.

However, there is now a discernible shift in policy thinking globally, including in Pakistan. The focus has shifted from reaching out to international financial institutions to the role of government and public-private partnerships in post-flood recovery efforts. The private sector and financial markets may play a supportive role, but it is up to the government and fiscal authority to take the lead.

Civil society organizations have an important role to play during this recovery process. They are connecting disconnected communities, giving voice to marginalized populations, and supplementing administrative capacity. However, short-term projects are not enough, and there is a need for long-term partnerships and the development of international-level institutional capacities. A participatory approach, working with rural communities, and incorporating technology into traditional work will lead to more sustainable results.

The recent flood and pandemic have exposed the need for a change in policy thinking in response to disasters. The government, public-private partnerships, and civil society organizations must work together to bring about real and sustainable change for affected communities, regardless of area, religion, color, or belief. A shift in focus from international financial institutions to the role of government and partnerships is necessary to bring about positive change. Civil society organizations play a critical role in supplementing administrative capacity and connecting disconnected communities. A participatory approach that involves rural communities and incorporates technology will lead to more sustainable results.

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 Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo is Community Development Professional based in Hyderabad Sindh

The post A Shift in Policy Thinking! first appeared on Sindh Courier.