Artificial intelligence should be integrated into public institutions through ethical AI governance rather than being used solely to improve individual productivity, experts said during a book launch hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Islamabad.
The event featured the launch of three books on artificial intelligence and technology governance by AI governance specialist Azhar Zia ur Rehman. Speakers highlighted the need for responsible AI adoption, stronger institutional readiness, and governance frameworks to help governments, universities, and businesses manage the growing use of AI.
Three Books Introduce AI Governance Framework
Azhar Zia ur Rehman presented three publications: Artificial Intelligence Ethics: A Maturity Assessment Framework, Artificial Intelligence Implementation Guide: Transforming to AI Using AI4mation, and Artificial Intelligence and the University in the Global South: Transforming to Meet the Challenge.
He said the books outline a governance framework based on international best practices, the European Union’s AI Act, and internationally recognized ISO standards. According to the author, the framework includes 1,941 measurable governance activities to help organizations assess AI readiness and strengthen governance.
He also introduced a 16-step implementation methodology designed to help organizations evaluate existing processes, identify opportunities for AI adoption, and assess the benefits and risks of AI applications.
Experts Emphasize Institutional Readiness
SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri said responsible AI adoption must be supported by ethical standards and research integrity, adding that effective governance will help institutions prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
SDPI Deputy Executive Director (Research) Dr Sajid Amin Javed said AI is becoming an important driver of productivity and economic development. He noted that discussions in Pakistan often focus on personal use of AI, while greater attention is needed on institutional capacity, governance, and implementation.
He added that governments, industries, and educational institutions should strengthen their ability to integrate AI responsibly and develop clear ethical guidelines for its use.
Human Oversight Remains Essential
Dr Zafar Ullah Koreshi, Chief Executive of Solved Engineering Technologies Limited, said universities should focus on governing AI effectively while ensuring human judgment remains central to decision-making.
He also highlighted challenges associated with AI adoption, including data governance, algorithmic bias, declining critical thinking, and the environmental impact of energy-intensive data centres.
Zainab Naeem, Head of Ecological Sustainability and Circular Economy at SDPI, said technological progress should remain people-centered and environmentally sustainable.
During the interactive session, Azhar Zia ur Rehman said AI should support human decision-making rather than replace it. He said governments, universities, industries, and students will need to adapt to the evolving AI landscape while maintaining human oversight in critical decisions.
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