A recent World Bank report states that artificial intelligence could transform Pakistan's job market, leaving 61 percent of service sector employees in roles with above-median AI exposure. Published under the title Job Opportunities and AI in Pakistan, the study points to both productivity gains and potential employment risks.

In 2024, Pakistan recorded an average occupational AI exposure score standing 0.48 standard deviations below the median, though impacts vary widely by industry with services facing the heaviest burden.

Most Exposed Sectors

Over 80 percent of employees working in wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance, real estate, and education hold positions with high AI exposure, according to the document.

By contrast, manufacturing accounts for 7 percent of exposed workers, while other industrial sectors comprise 5 percent. Agriculture records the smallest share at under 1 percent.

AI and Job Replacement

The World Bank pointed out that high AI exposure does not automatically signal impending layoffs, because the technology can also boost worker efficiency.

Roughly 18 percent of working individuals in Pakistan hold positions combining high AI exposure with strong human-AI teamwork potential.

At the same time, only 8 percent are employed in heavily exposed jobs where AI assistance opportunities remain limited, pointing to a smaller group facing direct replacement dangers.

Impact on Key Industries

Education and real estate show higher potential for gains through AI-assisted tasks since the technology complements current duties.

Yet wholesale and retail trade combines a massive workforce with high AI exposure, granting it central importance in Pakistan's shift toward technology-driven workplaces.

Agriculture employs a large portion of the nation's labor force yet stays largely untouched by direct occupational AI exposure, though technology could eventually boost farming output.

Future of Jobs in Pakistan

The World Bank cautioned that the final effect of AI relies heavily on how companies and employees embrace the technology.

Acquiring proper skills alongside supportive investments will dictate whether AI brings productivity growth or causes job losses.

The study stresses the need to ready Pakistan's labor force for shifting job demands while urging companies to integrate AI for better efficiency.