AI Bringing Revolution Across Sectors, Including Medicine and Warfare: PA Speaker

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, has said that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming every field of life, including medicine and warfare, while raising critical questions about its role in global peace and conflict prevention.
He expressed these views while addressing the 3rd International Conference titled “Artificial Intelligence, Social Change, and Scientific Development,” organized by University of the Punjab’s Department of Social Work in collaboration with the Research Consultancy on Social and Management Development.
Referring to global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran and the United States, the Speaker questioned whether AI could be utilized to prevent destruction and promote peace, and who would take responsibility for ensuring global stability.
The conference was attended by prominent figures including Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Vice-Chancellor Muhammad Ali, Director General Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Punjab Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo, Inspector General Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, and Chairperson Department of Social Work Uzma Ashiq, along with NGO representatives, faculty members, and students from various universities.
In his address, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan highlighted that AI has evolved into a powerful tool—even a “war machine” in modern conflicts—while encouraging youth to dream big and shape the nation’s future. He also noted that the internship programme launched under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has gained significant popularity and will soon include social work students.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali emphasized the importance of maintaining societal balance through all academic disciplines, particularly social sciences. He noted that the university offers nearly 90 degree programmes in social sciences and stressed that AI is no longer just a field of study but a vital skill that everyone will need in the future.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt described the growing participation of youth in higher education as a positive development, stating that young people are future leaders whose voices must be heard. She emphasized that while laws can be formulated behind closed doors, their effective implementation requires public engagement.
DG PEMRA Punjab Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo pointed out that countries worldwide are striving to benefit from AI but face delays in adoption. She revealed that the government has developed a comprehensive policy to monitor the negative aspects of AI. Referring to recent regional tensions, she stated that India used AI-driven propaganda against Pakistan, which was effectively countered.
She further highlighted that AI is increasingly replacing human roles, including in healthcare, where advanced diagnostics are being enabled. While acknowledging its benefits in education and research, she raised a critical concern: whether humans will control AI or the other way around. She also called for bringing digital, print, and electronic media under a unified regulatory framework, offering PEMRA’s cooperation in this regard.
IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir shared that his background in social work significantly contributed to his career, describing the field as full of opportunities. He urged students to stay adaptive and technologically aware, noting that change now occurs within seconds.
Concluding the session, Prof Dr Uzma Ashiq thanked the distinguished guests and reaffirmed that the Department of Social Work at Punjab University will continue contributing to societal welfare and development.