AI and our Education System

Education in Pakistan has always been a topic of debate—whether it’s the outdated curricula, lack of trained faculty, or limited access to modern learning tools. In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education worldwide, Pakistan cannot afford to lag behind. AI is not just about robots or complex algorithms; it is about making learning smarter, more accessible, and personalized for every student. However, to truly embrace AI, we must first address the deep-rooted issues in our education system and prepare our teachers and students for this technological shift.

Challenges of our Education System

Before we integrate AI into our classrooms, we need to acknowledge the hurdles that stand in the way. Many schools and universities still follow outdated curricula that fail to equip students with the skills required in today’s job market. Subjects like AI, data science, and modern technologies remain largely absent from mainstream education, leaving students ill-prepared for the future. Additionally, limited resources in schools, especially in rural areas, create a significant gap in access to technology. Many institutions lack basic infrastructure such as computers, stable internet, and digital learning tools, making AI adoption difficult.

Another major challenge is the lack of trained faculty. Many teachers have been trained in traditional methods and are unfamiliar with AI-powered learning tools, making them hesitant to integrate technology into their classrooms. Without proper training, AI remains an abstract concept rather than a practical tool for education. The teachers and our education system is not ready to embrace the advent of new technologies and still try to put students on the line of outdated curriculum.

In universities courses that have no relation to the future technologies are being taught hence detracting students from the real-world and emerging technologies. Putting more emphasis on subjects that are not much needed in the current era, and then making the students suffer in those subjects is one of the main issues in our education systems. Today, if we dive into the world of AI and Data Science and other industries, Python is the most used language in these fields, but here, students have to suffer learning and passing the Programming Fundamentals course in C++, Object Oriented Programming in C++, Data Structures in C++, and in the end of the day, student won’t be using this language, instead he will be using Python, which is mostly taught in the 3rd or 4th semester with the Introduction to Data Science course, Programming for AI course. So, why not start teaching Python from the first day when all work needs to be done in Python, in industry and else-where?

Furthermore, there are many more courses which need to be updated or removed from the syllabus, because it’s just wasting time, money and effort of students. The people making the curriculum is still following the same old techniques and methods, they don’t want to update. People despite having a university degree, still lack the essential job skills required in the industry. This is totally the failure of our education system. This needs to be updated and revised according to the needs of the current and future technologies. With the advent of AI, many things have become obsolete and need to be changed or removed, instead new technologies and courses which are required for the present and future state of industries be added and taught.

As I mentioned earlier, the lack of faculty and their interest in the new and emerging technologies is a major problem in our education system. We don’t have industry-oriented faculty which brings a gap in the industry and academia. Till the time the education system is not updated, the slogan of bridging gaps between industry and academia would solely remain a slogan, and not a reality. Our tech industry needs to step up and lead the way to bring change or else it will remain as it is, and you won’t find skilled people even if they graduate with 4.00 CGPA studying all those things which are not even required by the industry.

Bringing AI into Learning and Teaching

To ensure AI enhances education rather than replaces human educators, Pakistan must take a structured approach. First, strengthening digital infrastructure is crucial. Schools and universities need investments in AI-powered platforms, high-speed internet, and smart classrooms. Collaborations with private tech companies can provide affordable AI-driven educational tools tailored to Pakistan’s diverse student population. The government should introduce digital literacy initiatives to make AI learning accessible at all levels, ensuring no student is left behind.

Secondly, training teachers for AI-enabled classrooms is essential. Teachers must receive hands-on training on how to use AI-driven tools for grading, tutoring, and administrative tasks. AI literacy programs should be introduced in teacher training colleges so educators can stay ahead of technological trends. Universities should also incorporate AI-related teaching methodologies into their education programs to prepare future teachers for AI-integrated classrooms.

Another key step is teaching AI ethically and responsibly. Schools must introduce AI ethics in the curriculum, helping students understand responsible AI usage, privacy concerns, and the importance of human judgment in decision-making. Instead of relying on rote memorization, critical thinking should be emphasized so that students learn how to use AI as a tool rather than a shortcut. Students must be encouraged to use AI ethically and positively, and teachers need to embrace it as a reality, because you can’t ban technology. The upcoming innovations are very much changing the entire system and infrastructure, denying it won’t be beneficial.

Updating the curriculum for the future is also necessary. Universities and schools must continuously revise their syllabi, replacing outdated subjects with AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science. AI should be introduced as a core subject from an early age, helping students grasp its potential applications and limitations. Vocational training programs should focus on AI-driven careers, ensuring students are equipped with future-proof skills that align with global industry standards.

Balancing AI with human interaction is crucial to ensure AI remains an aid rather than a replacement. AI should assist teachers by providing personalized insights, but the role of a teacher as a mentor must remain central. Hybrid teaching models, where AI supplements traditional learning, can ensure students get the best of both worlds: smart insights and human guidance. Additionally, teachers should be trained in soft skills like emotional intelligence, mentorship, and creativity to complement AI-driven learning.

Encouraging AI innovation in Pakistan is another important step. Startups and researchers should be supported in developing AI-powered educational tools that cater specifically to Pakistan’s needs. Government incentives should be provided for edtech companies focused on AI-based learning solutions, including intelligent tutoring systems and virtual classrooms. AI competitions and hackathons should be encouraged in schools and universities to foster innovation and problem-solving skills in young minds. By doing so, Pakistan can not only integrate AI into education but also become a hub for AI-driven learning technologies.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s education system is at a crossroads. If we integrate AI thoughtfully, we can bridge educational gaps, empower teachers, and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. However, AI should not be seen as a replacement for human educators but as a powerful assistant that enhances learning. By modernizing curricula, training teachers, and ensuring ethical AI use, we can create a future-ready education system that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. The time to act is now—before we fall further behind in the global race for AI-driven education.

Don’t worry, AI won’t take your job, but if you deny it, then definitely, the ones using it will be at an advantage. So, let’s embrace the new reality and adopt it in our education system and else-where. There are many more things to say solely about the education system, which I somehow tried to highlight, but it will be discussed in detail in the future article.

Let’s Talk AI.

For suggestions and feedback, please email at immadshahid@gmail.com or drop a comment below.