A recent decision by Supreme Court Justices Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Mansoor Ali Shah has initiated an important discussion regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Pakistan’s legal system. Justice Shah authored the decision, expressing cautious optimism about using AI. The ruling encourages welcoming AI as a valuable tool to address persistent issues in the legal framework, while also urging caution. This perspective demonstrates the judiciary’s readiness to evolve and adapt, potentially motivating other government institutions to harness technology for public benefit.
The decision focuses on the potential of AI to change how cases are handled, especially in district courts where there are often delays and backlogs. AI can take over routine tasks and make workflows more efficient, which helps reduce the time and resources needed for administrative work. Imagine if algorithms could tell us how long cases might take, focus on urgent issues, or find problems in procedures, this could greatly improve the way justice is delivered. The judges highlight that these tools must work within the rules of the constitution to make sure human oversight is still key in making legal decisions. This approach sees AI as a tool to support, not replace, the expertise of legal professionals.
The Supreme Court is adopting AI, much faster than other parts of the country. This action is different because the rest of the nation is slow in using AI for everyday tasks. The courts see AI as a tool to make their work clearer and more efficient. However, sectors like healthcare and taxes are still stuck with old ways of doing things. In Pakistan, leaders often mention AI as if it’s just a trendy term and not something vital. They do not have a clear plan for using AI in government work. This slow pace might cause Pakistan to lag behind other countries. All around the world, countries apply AI to grow their economies, improve services for people, and fight corruption. For instance, AI could be used to automatically collect taxes, improve farming supply chains, or predict when roads and bridges need repairs, but these possibilities are not being explored in Pakistan.
The judgment clearly highlights the risks of doing nothing. Much like the Industrial Revolution transformed economies, AI is on track to change the digital world of the 21st century. Countries that don’t adapt might increase existing inequalities and miss out on growth opportunities that everyone can benefit from. An example is the district courts in Pakistan, overwhelmed by more than 2 million pending cases, showing the urgent need for change. Implementing AI-based changes could serve as a guide for improving other sectors, illustrating how technology can increase access to services for more people and help rebuild trust in public institutions.
The court’s warning about relying too heavily on AI is really important. Tools like generative AI are powerful but can have issues like bias, mistakes, and ethical problems. The court’s decision wisely calls for strong rules to manage how AI is used. These rules should ensure that there is accountability and that the rights of citizens are protected. This balanced approach welcoming new advancements while keeping important principles safe sets a good example for being responsible with new technology.
Pakistan is at a crucial turning point, and the Supreme Court’s decision serves as a wake-up call. The government must move beyond mere words and take real steps in building AI knowledge, improving infrastructure, and reforming policies. By working together, tech experts, lawyers, and government officials can harness AI to simplify processes, enhance services, and increase transparency. The risk of falling behind while the rest of the world progresses is too great to ignore. By following the courts’ lead, the government can transform cautious hope into tangible action, ensuring that AI drives the country’s development instead of becoming a missed chance. The moment for action is now; we already have the necessary tools in hand to begin.
