PCJCCI underscores AI as a game changer for cost-efficient, sustainable construction

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Pakistan–China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has highlighted the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the construction sector, describing it as a major driver of cost efficiency, operational effectiveness, workplace safety, and sustainable development.
Speaking on the subject, Nazir Hussain, President PCJCCI, said AI-driven technologies are reshaping the global construction industry and offer significant opportunities for enhanced Pakistan–China collaboration, particularly in smart infrastructure and sustainable development initiatives.
He said AI-based systems are strengthening quality control through advanced “quality hazard identification models” that analyze on-site images to detect construction defects and generate corrective notices. AI-assisted review of bidding documents, he added, is also improving transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in procurement processes.
Senior Vice President PCJCCI Brig. (R) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh said AI is increasingly being integrated across the entire construction lifecycle, including cost estimation, design validation, construction management, bidding, and settlement processes. He noted that leading Chinese construction companies report AI adoption in over 70 percent of their new projects, reflecting the technology’s growing maturity and acceptance across the industry.
At construction sites, AI-enabled video analysis systems are enhancing safety by automatically identifying risks such as workers not wearing safety helmets, unauthorized access, smoke, and fire hazards, while issuing real-time alerts. AI-powered drones are also being deployed to collect site data, enabling rapid large-scale 3D reconstruction and more accurate monitoring of project progress.
According to industry projections, AI adoption in large-scale engineering projects is expected to exceed 90 percent within the next three to five years. Several projects have already demonstrated tangible benefits, including optimized machinery utilization, traceable material management, and substantial cost savings.
PCJCCI Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif said AI is also revolutionizing architectural design by enabling real-time generation of high-quality renderings, aerial views, and interior visualizations, with instant adjustments to design styles, materials, and lighting. He added that AI-driven environmental analysis—covering wind flow, carbon emissions, and noise impact—is helping architects develop climate-responsive and sustainable designs.
He further noted that AI-based carbon emission modeling allows simulation-driven planning to achieve low-carbon construction goals, aligning projects with global sustainability standards and environmental commitments.
Concluding, President Nazir Hussain said the integration of AI into construction offers new avenues for Pakistan and China to deepen cooperation in digital construction, smart cities, and green infrastructure, positioning both countries for future-ready and sustainable development.