Pakistan is increasingly deploying artificial intelligence in government operations, with officials signalling a shift towards automated decision-making systems aimed at improving transparency and reducing human intervention in key processes.

Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways, said authorities are actively integrating AI into governance frameworks to enhance efficiency and accountability. Speaking at an Indus AI Week session at the National Incubation Centre, he described the technology as central to modernising public administration.

The initiative includes reforms within the Federal Board of Revenue, where a 'Faceless Customs' system has already been introduced to minimise direct human involvement in appraisal procedures. The next phase will involve AI-driven models to further automate customs evaluation, with gradual implementation planned after pilot testing.

Officials argue that such measures could streamline decision-making and reduce procedural bottlenecks. The approach reflects a broader attempt to align governance with emerging digital tools, particularly in areas where manual processes have historically dominated.

Kayani emphasised that artificial intelligence is no longer confined to technical domains but is shaping everyday interactions across personal and professional spheres. From smartphones to institutional systems, he noted, the technology is becoming increasingly embedded in daily life.

The government is positioning itself to capitalise on these developments, with leadership placing particular emphasis on AI as a strategic priority. Efforts are under way at the Prime Minister's Office to incorporate advanced systems into administrative functions, aiming to accelerate responses and improve policy outcomes.

However, the minister acknowledged the risks associated with rapid adoption. He stressed the need for balanced regulation to manage potential challenges while ensuring that benefits are widely distributed.

Ensuring equitable access remains a key concern. Kayani warned that developing economies must not be excluded from the global expansion of artificial intelligence, arguing that countries like Pakistan should actively participate in its growth.

He expressed confidence that the country's talent pool and expanding startup ecosystem would enable it to harness these technologies effectively. The Indus AI Week, he added, provides a platform to connect innovators and highlight the role of emerging technologies in shaping Pakistan's economic and administrative future.