LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Wednesday urged universities to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for human welfare and peace, and technological advancements should not be allowed to fuel conflict and destruction.

He was addressing at the third international conference titled “Artificial intelligence, social change and scientific development” organised by Punjab University department of social work in collaboration with the Research Consultancy on Social and Management Development.

Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, DG Pemra Punjab Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo, Inspector General of Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, and Chairperson Department of Social Work Prof Dr Uzma Ashiq, along with NGO representatives, teachers and students were also present.

He said that AI was transforming fields such as medicine and warfare and academic institutions should focus on innovations that could help prevent violence. “Machines are assisting in medical science and AI is bringing about a revolution in this field,” he said, adding that there was a need to reflect on the direction in which such technologies were being used.

Emphasising the role of youth, Mr Khan said students should avoid wasting time and instead pursue ambitious goals. “A student should never waste time, but at the same time, he should dream big. If I am to dream, there should be no restrictions on those dreams,” he remarked, adding that such aspirations shaped the nation’s future.

Highlighting social concerns, he said people in Pakistan desired peace and security. “We seek freedom from fear and are afraid of violence and explosives. We want to help people and ensure social security,” he said, adding that the absence of legislation in this regard would be concerning.

Prof Shah said all disciplines, particularly social sciences, were essential to maintain balance in society while adding that AI would become a basic skill for everyone in the future.

Senator Butt said young people were future leaders whose voices must be heard and youth engagement was required for implementation of laws.

DG Pemra Punjab Ms Wattoo said countries were evaluating ways to benefit from AI but faced delays in its adoption.

She added that the government had devised a comprehensive policy to monitor its negative aspects and claimed that AI-driven propaganda during recent tensions had been effectively countered by Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026