By Sahar Rahat Khan
The breakthrough in artificial intelligence that is causing stock markets to tremble, Silicon Valley titans to get alarmed, and people to speculate that America’s technological hegemony is coming to an end has arrived. The 22-page report, published last week by the tenacious Chinese artificial intelligence start-up DeepSeek, didn’t raise any red flags right away. Researchers needed a few days to process the paper’s assertions and the ramifications of its descriptions. In order to match the performance of top American A.I. models at a fraction of the price, the corporation developed a new A.I. model dubbed DeepSeek-R1, which was constructed by a group of researchers who claimed to have employed a small number of subpar A.I. chips. DeepSeek claimed to have accomplished this by replacing raw computing with intelligent engineering. And it had done it in China, a country many experts thought was in a distant second place in the global A.I. race.
Global economies are leveraging AI to boost productivity, while Pakistan faces obstacles like digital infrastructure gaps, inconsistent internet services, and regulatory restrictions. As Marx observed, “The machine is a means for producing surplus-value,” but this surplus remains concentrated in the hands of global tech giants, leaving countries like Pakistan to grapple with inequitable benefits. The Common People must not be left behind in this AI-driven revolution. Policies that ensure fair job transitions, subsidized skill development, and improved internet infrastructure are critical. AI can be a tool for progress, but only if it works for everyone, not just a privileged few. The rise of AI can be seen as an extension of capitalist modes of production, where the primary focus is profit maximization rather than equitable distribution of resources. AI, while promising efficiency, is often deployed in ways that exacerbate the exploitation of the working class by reducing labor costs and concentrating wealth in the hands of the elite.
The Role of Data in AI is benefiting the few, ignoring the many. Platforms like Meta use data collected from users worldwide, including Pakistan, to train AI systems. While they reap the benefits, users gain little in return. In Pakistan’s context, AI could deepen class divisions if technological advancements benefit only the capitalist class, leaving the working class to face job insecurity and limited access to digital tools. Without policies focused on redistribution and workers’ empowerment, AI risks becoming a tool of economic hegemony, further entrenching inequality. To truly leverage AI for progress, it must serve the people, not just capital. This requires collective ownership of technology, equitable access to resources like high-speed internet, and the empowerment of workers through education and skill development—aligning technological advancement with social justice. Yuval Noah Harari said, “In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power.” This underscores the urgency for Pakistan to channel AI’s potential toward empowering its working class with relevant knowledge and skills. The true challenge lies not merely in accessing technology but in ensuring it is used purposefully to uplift all segments of society, particularly those most vulnerable to economic shifts.
While there has been significant investment in telecommunications, the disparity lies not in speed but in accessibility. Both urban and rural populations face similar challenges in terms of affordability and quality of service. This lack of digital inclusivity hinders workers from accessing AI-driven platforms that could open avenues for remote jobs, freelancing, and e-commerce. The concentration of resources in the hands of a few raises concerns about equitable distribution. As technology continues to evolve, there is a risk that AI could disproportionately benefit a small elite, further sidelining the working class. The challenge, therefore, is ensuring that these advancements do not become tools of exploitation but instead contribute to societal upliftment. Assume that addressing these challenges requires not only investment in digital infrastructure but also initiatives to make AI tools accessible and relevant for the working class. Education and skill development programs must focus on equipping workers with the capabilities to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Furthermore, the government and private sector must collaborate to ensure equitable access to technology, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality for all Pakistanis. By addressing these structural issues, Pakistan can unlock AI’s potential to transform the economy and provide meaningful opportunities, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in this new digital era. AI, when implemented effectively, can bring clarity and purpose to Pakistan’s economy by creating opportunities for the working class and addressing socio-economic challenges. Pakistan must prioritize inclusive access to AI tools, improve infrastructure, and regulate technology to benefit everyone equally. A Digital Revolution should include All as Yuval Noah Harari said, “Technology gives us the power to reshape the world, but it’s up to us to decide how we use it.” Policymakers and stakeholders should ensure that AI serves all segments of society, particularly the working class, creating a more equitable future for Pakistan. Doing so, Pakistan can position itself as an active participant in the AI revolution, rather than a passive observer.
(The writer is a tech geek and social worker, enthusiastic about creating a society with equality for all, and can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
