PUBLISHED
March 15, 2026
Besides other grave issues such as climate change, global warming, nuclear proliferation and scarcity of resources concerning the future of human society and the world, the question of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—and its involvement in and impact on holistic life— has been haunting all types of discussions at diversified forums, for a few years. The enthusiasm and ambitiousness associated with this unprecedented new technological advancement is logically entangled with equally intensified reservations, and horrors. Some blockbuster movies, under sci-fi and fantasy genres, and the vicissitudes took place in the world, in the recent past, have further paved the way for believing in an unbelievable-cum-imminent scenario — an era when the misadventures by the scientists will bring forth biological monsters and technology-based robots who will, eventually, enslave and exploit human beings and, perhaps finally, torture them to death. In Gemma Whelan’s words, “I’m more frightened than interested by artificial intelligence — in fact, perhaps fright and interest are not far away from one another.”
Comparatively speaking, during the last five decades, all the scientific developments were incessantly assisting human beings, with minor side-effects and drawbacks, in domestic, business and professional life, bringing forth positive and facilitating changes in society.
However, in the case in hand, for the very first time, an invention or development is set to alter the whole fabrication of human civilisation and historical culture, transforming its fine arts, aesthetics, literature, education, academic culture, etc. Some philosophers, such as Nick Bostrom, have already warned about super-intelligent AI systems that might act in ways misaligned with social values.
A few months ago, at the International Conference on Evolving Technologies in Computing (MICETC), hosted by the Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MITE) in Karachi, participants engaged in extensive debate and speculation about whether AI might one day dominate human beings and their minds, and whether this sweeping technological surge can be avoided by present and future generations.
Some of the speakers were of the view that human intelligence is blessed with God-gifted natural, instinctive, creative, monitoring and judicious powers and talents that could never be superseded or overpowered by one of its own creations or inventions functioning on the bases of typically calculated and materially programmed system, hence rejecting all AI-concerning fears, suspicions or reservations. The point is valid, as the human thought process has, hitherto, been considered unfathomable and abstract, supported by the infinite forces of spirituality and religion. While humanity has created incredible tools, machines, and robots, all the robots in the world combined cannot create a single human being. Therefore, we must anticipate that Black Swan event—the creation of human beings by AI tools—before even entertaining the vague idea of a human cataclysm.
However, Professor Atta-ur-Rehman proclaimed that science had unpredictably advanced beyond confines, and the brain and its functioning had become a subject of physics and quantum physics; so, our thoughts, feelings, emotions and mental processes would no longer be abstract phenomena. Some interpretations suggest that thoughts and emotions are “made of” protons, neutrons, and electrons because these particles make up the brain and nervous system. So, in future, even a human being’s thinking process, imaginative limits and emotional flights would not be spared from the hovering invasion by scientific advancement and its manoeuvring experimentation. “The contemporary versions, or may be near-future additions, of the AI are totally submissive to and controlled by human beings, but, nobody can say with surety that this technology will not overpower human society in future,” Professor Atta-ur-Rehman adds. So, “hope for the best and be prepared for the worst” was the oscillating pivot of that fruitful debate; however, the unanimously conceived concept was that the change is inevitable and we must embrace this change with proper training, skill and adequate knowledge to exploit it fruitfully and extract maximum benefits out of it.
Let us switch onto logical and rational aspects of this alarming phase of man-vs-technology conflict, setting aside all freak and weird suspicions associated with emerging horizons clouded with self-governing tools, apparatuses and machines. While AI has the potential to influence human lives profoundly, its domination depends on how societies manage its development and use. There have been traditional debates among the economists and businessmen on the issue whether technological progress can cause long-term unemployment, or will it create more opportunities after a transient period of financial hardships. The benefits of AI often accrue to those with advanced skills, potentially widening the gap between skilled and unskilled workers. So, automation of manual tasks can lead to job losses, particularly in industries dependent on repetitive manual labour, such as manufacturing and logistics.
Positively speaking, technology and AI, in particular, has enabled us to complete various tasks in minutes that, previously, used to take days and weeks, such as documentations, calculations, accounting and auditing, film making, multidimensional communications and transportations, etc. Moreover, such machines can take over hazardous jobs, ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in industries like mining, construction, or manufacturing. Kai-Fu Lee, a Taiwanese businessman, computer scientist, investor, and writer expresses his foresight saying, “AI will not replace jobs, but it will change the nature of work.”
During last three decades, many manual tasks and jobs became obsolete and created unemployment, especially in the areas of fine arts, handicrafts, printing and publishing, and artisanship, etc. However, there emerged a scenario with new employment opportunities for those who got themselves trained, skilled and updated with the pace of time and the relevant technology. For example, referring to the art of calligraphy, printing and publishing, and all its related tasks have been revolutionised and redeemed with sophisticated and swift procedures. Now, you can get a number of comparatively refined books written, composed, formatted, proofread, printed, published, bound and packed in a time span that used to be spent for a single book’s process. However, the art of calligraphy, drawing, sketching and other such talents and skills are being thrown into oblivion, due to explosion of technology.
Once, the upper portions of the shops in dawning corridors of Anar Kali Bazar of Lahore used to boast of highly attractive and aesthetically decorated hubs of calligraphers and artists associated with publishing business. The students of Fine Arts from the historical National College of Arts (NCA) and other institutions would go there to observe, experience and learn various skills. Now, you only see traces of these old buildings with nostalgia.
As this tool is advancing nippily through the society, with abilities in decision-making, erudition, creativity, and even emotional interface, if unchecked, it might become a monster and beat human control in a number of capacities, such as self-governing systems, in future. As peoples are universally becoming ever more dependent on AI for their everyday official, domestic and business tasks, humans might unintentionally lose control over critical systems, including business, banking, governance, and healthcare. As the AI systems are designed for social media and marketing, and have already influenced human conduct and opinions, enriched versions can further exploit cognitive prejudices, possibly leading to bigger manipulation of human psyches, brains and minds. Its impact depends largely on how society manages the transition—through policies supporting worker retraining, equitable access to technology, and inclusive economic planning.
By prioritising human-centric approaches, the potential harms of AI can be mitigated while maximising its benefits and adaptability. Workers may struggle to transition into new roles created by AI, especially without proper training or resources. Academician, consultant, business executive and the President at Google-Alphabet James M Manyika says, “We’re going to see tremendous occupational shifts. Some jobs will climb while others decline. So how do we enable and support workers as they transition from occupation to occupation? We don’t do that very well. Skill requirements are going to be substantial and how do we get there quickly enough?”
Winding up, artificial intelligence unquestionably can turn into both a friend and a foe, reshaping our sphere with unprecedented prospects while posing vital ethical, economic, social, and existential challenges. To make machines intelligent, we need to teach them to see, hear, touch, taste, and smell the world—just like humans. The resolution to associate new generations with this emerging technology must be on a balanced perch—rooted in edification, ethical concerns, and pre-emptive governance. Empowering the youth with knowledge and skills to harness AI responsibly is essential, ensuring that they lead advancements with wisdom and caution. At the same time, society must remain vigilant about the potential benefits and untoward misuse of the guiding-angel-cum-destructive-monster and its impact on humanity. Striking this balance will determine whether AI becomes a tool for collective progress or a Pandora’s Box of unforeseen consequences.
The writer is an author, analyst and educationist, can be reached at muttahirahmedkhan@gmail.com
All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
