Amir Saeed

Artificial intelligence (AI) tutors offer Pakistan a transformative solution to address educational deficiencies and stimulate economic growth through personalized, accessible, and innovative learning methods nationwide.

Talking to WealthPK, Aatizaz Hussain, former manager of Financial Literacy Programme at the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), highlighted that Pakistan’s education system is in crisis, with over 26 million children out of school and millions more enrolled but not learning effectively.

Chronic underfunding, as seen in the 2024-25 federal budget’s meager increase for education, has left schools lacking basic resources, while inflation and rising fees have made higher education inaccessible for many. “Prevalence of ghost schools, over 30,000 across the country, further highlights systemic neglect, particularly in rural and underprivileged regions.

This educational stagnation directly impacts Pakistan’s economy, trapping generations in cycles of poverty and limiting the nation’s competitive edge,’’ Aatizaz said. In this bleak landscape, Aatizaz pointed out that AI tutors are emerging as a strategic investment.

AI-powered platforms can deliver personalized learning experiences, adapting to each student’s strengths and weaknesses, which is especially valuable in overcrowded classrooms where the teachers are stretched thin.  If scaled effectively, AI tutors could help standardize educational quality across regions, making advanced learning accessible even in remote or marginalized communities.

He added that AI has the potential to revolutionize the country’s education system by enabling personalized, self-paced learning and bridging the achievement gaps between students of varying backgrounds.  Looking at the international examples, countries like Singapore and South Korea have seen significant improvements in student engagement and outcomes through AI integration.

Talking to WealthPK, Wajahat Ali Shah, Principal at Shah International School, Swabi, emphasized that with strategic investment in digital infrastructure and teacher training, Pakistan can ensure that the students are better prepared for the demands of a modern economy. “However, while AI tutors offer promise, their integration faces practical challenges.

AI-related hardware is not yet widely available in Pakistan, and significant investment is needed to make such technology accessible nationwide,’’ he said.  “It is important to remember that AI should complement, not replace, human teachers, who play a vital role in mentoring, fostering critical thinking, and guiding students’ personal development.

Additionally, robust data protection and ethical guidelines are essential to ensure student privacy and build trust in AI-driven educational solutions,’’ he stressed. “As Pakistan grapples with failing schools and a faltering economy, AI tutors present a strategic opportunity to transform the education sector.

Their success, however, will depend on thoughtful investment, infrastructure development, and a balanced approach that values both technological innovation and the irreplaceable human touch,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk