AI in Business: Local Use‑Cases Driving Growth in Pakistan

AI is slowly becoming a critical factor in growth of Pakistani businesses whether it's a start-up or established enterprises. 

In this blog, we will explore how AI is helping local businesses in Pakistan become more efficient and how it's contributing to economic growth. 

The Rise of AI in Pakistan's Business Landscape

Due to several factors such a poor infrastructure and lack of funding and education, Pakistan has been a bit slow in adopting and understanding new technologies. However, things are changing now as Pakistani youth is now more tech-savvy and with rising digital transformation,  businesses in Pakistan are now exploring AI not just as a luxury but as a necessity.

AI is making waves across various industries including retail, agriculture, healthcare, fintech, and customer service. The goal is simple: use AI to automate tasks, gain better insights from data, and ultimately offer improved services and experiences.

Real World Use Cases of AI in Pakistani Businesses 

1. Retail: Personalized Shopping and Demand Forecasting 

AI is being used in retail to improve user experience. Local e-commerce platforms like Daraz and PriceOye are using AI algorithms to analyze customer behaviouur, predict product preferences, and recommending items. 

Moreover, demand forecasting through AI models helps retailers avoid overstocking or understocking. By analyzing trends, seasons, and purchasing history, businesses are better able to predict what customers will want and when. It would have a significant impact on a business's growth as it would result in;

• Enhanced customer satisfaction 

• Reduced Inventory Cost 

• High sales 

2.  Agriculture: Smart Farming with AI

AI is now a part of agriculture too. Startups like Tazah Technologies and Crop2X are using AI to provide farmers with data-driven insights on soil health, weather predictions, pest detection, and optimal harvesting times.

Using AI-powered mobile apps and sensors, farmers can now make informed decisions that boost yield and reduce losses. These technologies are not only affordable but also tailored to the specific needs of Pakistani farmers. It would;

• Increase agricultural productivity

• Reduce waste 

3. Healthcare: Diagnostics and Virtual Assistance 

AI in healthcare is saving lives. Pakistani health-tech startups like Sehat Kahani and Marham are using AI to connect patients with doctors, especially in remote areas. AI chatbots and virtual assistants answer common health queries and help with appointment scheduling.

Moreover, AI is being used for early disease detection. For instance, AI models are being trained to identify signs of diabetic retinopathy or tuberculosis from medical images.

Impact: Improved access to healthcare, faster diagnosis, and reduced pressure on medical professionals.

4. Fintech: Fraud Detection and Credit Scoring

In the financial sector, AI is helping banks and fintech companies offer smarter and safer services. Companies like Easypaisa, JazzCash, and Finja use AI to detect fraudulent transactions by identifying unusual spending patterns.

AI is also used for alternative credit scoring—analyzing a customer’s mobile usage, transaction behavior, and social signals to assess their creditworthiness. This is particularly useful in a country where a large portion of the population is unbanked or underbanked.

Impact: Better security, expanded financial inclusion, and improved customer trust.

5. Customer Service: Chatbots and AI Assistants

From telcos like Zong and Telenor to online services and delivery platforms, AI-powered chatbots are now a common tool. These bots handle customer queries 24/7, from billing issues to product questions, reducing the need for large human customer support teams.

Some companies are also using Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools to understand customer sentiment and improve product or service offerings based on feedback.

Impact: Lower customer service costs, quicker response times, and higher satisfaction rates.

Enablers of AI Growth in Pakistan

Several factors are driving the adoption of AI in Pakistan:

• Youth-Driven Innovation: With a median age of around 22, Pakistan has a young, adaptable workforce that’s eager to embrace new technology.

• Incubators and Accelerators: Institutions like Plan9, NIC, and Daftarkhwan are supporting AI-focused startups.

• Government Support: Programs like Pakistan’s Digital Policy and investments in STEM education are slowly laying the groundwork for AI development.

• Cloud Platforms: Access to cloud services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is making AI development more affordable and scalable.

Challenges to Overcome

While the growth is promising, some challenges remain:

• Lack of Skilled Talent: There's a shortage of AI specialists, data scientists, and machine learning engineers.

• Limited Funding: Many startups struggle to secure the capital needed to build or scale AI solutions.

• Data Privacy Concerns: With more data comes the need for robust data protection laws.

• Digital Divide: Urban-rural gaps in digital literacy and infrastructure still pose limitations.

The Road Ahead

Despite these hurdles, the momentum is clear. AI is no longer just a buzzword in Pakistan; it's becoming a backbone for smarter business strategies. As more companies see the tangible benefits—cost savings, efficiency, and better customer experiences, adoption will accelerate.

For long-term success, Pakistan must invest in AI education, promote ethical AI use, and ensure equitable access to technology. Partnerships between the private sector, academia, and government will be crucial in shaping an inclusive AI-driven economy.

Conclusion 

The impact of AI on Pakistani businesses is just beginning to unfold. From transforming how farmers grow crops to how banks detect fraud, AI is redefining what’s possible. Businesses that understand and embrace these technologies early will not only gain a competitive edge but also contribute to a more innovative, resilient, and prosperous Pakistan.

The future of AI in business isn’t just global, it’s local. And in Pakistan, it’s already driving meaningful growth.