The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, organised a webinar on ‘Use of Emerging Technologies in Research’ under its Tech Talk Series.
Technology Expert from Silicon Valley and Guest Speaker, Mr Hassan Nadim, underscored the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting both its risks and the imperative for timely adoption. He cautioned that the sheer volume of data generated on the internet has surpassed human capacity to analyse it effectively, making AI integration not just beneficial but essential. He stressed that organisations, particularly those dealing with national security, must remain vigilant about AI’s role in data processing. He warned that inputs provided to AI are monitored, posing potential risks for organisations handling sensitive information. Mr Nadim also pointed out that AI models often exhibit Western-centric biases which could lead to challenges for the Global South as people navigate a pre-set, biased digital landscape. However, he stressed that the biggest risk of AI was not just its bias but also failure of individuals and organisations to adopt it in time. “We are living in a world of AI-haves and AI-have nots,” he stated.
Mr Nadim urged policymakers and professionals to take charge of their country’s AI education, noting that those who embrace AI tools will be better positioned to excel. Closing his remarks, he predicted an imminent future where digital agents and robots would outnumber humans, drastically accelerating data production. He called on individuals and organisations to embrace AI as a companion rather than a competitor, or risk obsolescence.
Participants posed thought-provoking questions on AI capacity building, ethical and philosophical implications of its rapid evolution, and the intensifying technological race between China and the US.
Highlighting the importance of informed engagement with AI, Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed (Retd.), President of CASS, urged stakeholders to actively learn, think, and participate in AI-driven advancements. He stressed that with technological progress comes the responsibility to harness AI for both social and cognitive benefits while minimising its adversarial applications. Reiterating the ethical responsibilities associated with AI adoption, President CASS called for a concerted effort to instil a culture of responsibility in technological development. He asserted that strategic engagement with AI could unlock maximum benefits for society while preventing its detrimental consequences.
