ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Tuesday highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in climate governance, public policy and disaster risk management, stressing its predictive and preventive potential.
Speaking at the National Artificial Intelligence Workshop, the minister said AI could help address Pakistan’s challenges related to fragmented and limited data, which often hinder effective policymaking.
He noted that AI-driven modelling could support targeted interventions, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.
Referring to the Pakistan Vulnerability Report, Dr Malik said 20 districts had been identified as highly vulnerable to climate risks, including 18 in Balochistan and two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Such assessments, he added, enable policymakers to prioritise resources where they are needed most.
The minister said AI integration with monitoring systems could improve early disaster detection and response, allowing preventive action before significant damage occurs. However, he cautioned against overreliance on AI, warning it could weaken human judgement and critical thinking if not used responsibly.
He also noted that the next phase of AI development, particularly AI agents, could reshape employment patterns, stressing the need for careful integration and timely reskilling of affected workers.
While technology can boost short-term productivity, Dr Malik said sustainable long-term growth depends on continued innovation rather than one-time adoption of new technologies.
The workshop was attended by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, as well as policymakers, experts and stakeholders from the public and private sectors.