The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into national security frameworks has become a global phenomenon, and Pakistan is no exception. During a recent seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and National Security,” organized by the Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), experts from various sectors discussed the transformative potential of AI and its role in bolstering Pakistan’s national security.
Contextualizing AI in National Security
The event, which featured experts such as Air Vice Marshal Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal, and various academics and military officials, emphasized the growing reliance on AI in national security strategies worldwide. The discussions focused on how AI can be leveraged to enhance cybersecurity, defense capabilities, and socio-economic development, while addressing the ethical, legal, and security risks posed by emerging technologies.
The keynote speaker, Air Vice Marshal Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal, emphasized that technology plays a dual role: it can both save lives and cause destruction. His insights were especially focused on the need for technological sovereignty and innovation to protect Pakistan’s defense infrastructure. He underscored that AI will be critical in developing autonomous weapon systems, advancing cybersecurity, and ensuring that Pakistan remains competitive in the global technological race.
The Strategic Importance of AI for Pakistan
AI’s implications for national security go beyond traditional warfare. AI can enhance predictive analytics, facilitate advanced machine learning for intelligence gathering, and fortify cybersecurity through real-time threat detection. Moreover, autonomous vehicles and border security systems powered by AI will significantly boost Pakistan’s military efficiency. Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal also stressed the importance of partnerships with countries such as Turkey, highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing collaboration in aeronautical and defense industries through the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP).
NASTP’s role in facilitating collaboration with the private sector and fostering innovation was emphasized. By integrating AI, Pakistan can reduce its reliance on foreign technologies, boosting its defense autonomy. Additionally, advanced AI applications in military training, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations can provide real-time data-driven decisions, potentially offering a strategic advantage on the battlefield.
The Broader Implications of AI in Defense:
Pakistan’s move to harness AI in its military and national security strategies comes in the context of broader global trends. Countries like the United States, China, and Russia have already advanced significantly in AI-driven military technologies. AI’s integration into modern defense systems poses challenges for countries like Pakistan, which must keep up with rapidly evolving technologies.
This shift towards AI-based national security is critical for Pakistan’s geopolitical positioning, particularly in South Asia, where India is also making strides in defense AI. AI-driven systems can provide a strategic edge in terms of reconnaissance, cyber operations, and autonomous weaponry. With the world heading towards data-driven warfare, Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal highlighted the pressing need for Pakistan to develop indigenous AI capabilities to safeguard national data and ensure data sovereignty.
Ethical Concerns and Global AI Governance
Despite its many advantages, AI in defense is not without its challenges. One of the speakers, Ms. Ghazala Yasmin Jalil, raised important concerns about the dangers of integrating AI into nuclear deterrence frameworks. She highlighted how AI’s potential to escalate conflicts could lead to accidental nuclear confrontations. AI could lower the nuclear threshold, making it imperative for international agreements to limit AI’s role in nuclear weapons complexes.
Dr. Waseem Qutub, another distinguished speaker, emphasized the need for compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the UN Charter when developing and deploying AI technologies in defense. He warned against the risks of anthropomorphizing lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) and stressed that human decision-making must always remain central, particularly in life-and-death situations involving military operations.
The experts at the seminar also discussed the need for strong international cooperation, particularly in establishing governance frameworks that can regulate AI’s use in military settings. AI’s potential misuse—either through autonomous weapon systems or through cyber operations—necessitates the establishment of strict ethical standards and global agreements. These standards would ensure that AI technologies are used for peaceful purposes and to prevent escalating tensions between countries.
Socio-Economic Development:
While AI’s primary relevance to the seminar focused on defense, other speakers addressed how AI can also help Pakistan achieve broader socio-economic goals. Dr. Sumaira Kausar spoke about AI’s capacity to boost economic productivity, enhance decision-making across sectors, and help Pakistan increase its global competitiveness.
By integrating AI into areas like agriculture, healthcare, and education, Pakistan can address key challenges such as food security, health system inefficiencies, and gaps in educational access. The importance of human agency in developing and deploying these technologies was reiterated, particularly in the context of avoiding job displacement and ensuring that AI benefits the public at large.
Additionally, Khwaja Mohammad Ali’s insights into AI-enhanced cybersecurity pointed to AI’s crucial role in defending against emerging cyber threats. AI-driven cybersecurity systems can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, making it easier to detect and counter cyber-attacks. However, he also noted the difficulties developing nations face in implementing these technologies due to resource constraints, making international cooperation in AI and cybersecurity essential.
The Road Ahead for Pakistan
The seminar organized by the ISSI’s ACDC made it clear that Pakistan must fully harness AI’s potential to meet its national security and socio-economic goals. AI has the capacity to revolutionize defense, offering enhanced cybersecurity, more efficient military operations, and autonomous systems capable of providing a strategic edge.
However, with these opportunities come significant challenges. Ethical considerations, the risk of AI-driven nuclear escalations, and job displacement all need to be addressed through careful governance, both nationally and internationally. Pakistan’s government and private sector must work together to develop indigenous AI solutions and institutions that are robust, secure, and compliant with international laws.
As global AI advancements continue to shape the future of warfare, Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to develop cutting-edge capabilities—coupled with international partnerships—will be essential in maintaining its security, technological sovereignty, and geopolitical relevance.
References:
- Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Seminar on “Artificial Intelligence and National Security.”
- “Artificial Intelligence and National Security,” presentation by Air Vice Marshal Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal.
- Global perspectives on AI in defense: Ethical and legal considerations from various international forums and think tanks (Al Jazeera, CSIS, etc.).
- AI in cybersecurity and military applications, insights from academic papers and global defense forums on AI’s role in autonomous weapons and cyber operations.
