AI and Jobs: Are Machines Replacing Us or Creating New Careers? | News GUY

 Artificial Intelligence is dramatically transforming the global labor market. Studies show that industries highly exposed to AI have seen their productivity increase up to four times more than in sectors less influenced by automation. Additionally, employees in AI-augmented roles now earn significantly higher wages compared to those in traditional positions. Despite widespread fear that AI could displace millions of jobs—especially those in routine, repetitive, or entry-level roles—it is equally true that AI is creating new employment opportunities. In fact, even in sectors with high automation potential, job listings and hiring activity have continued to grow.

📉 Jobs at Risk and Why They're Disappearing

Many roles involving predictable tasks are at the highest risk. These include administrative jobs, customer service representatives, translators, and various clerical and operational roles. Multiple forecasts indicate that a substantial portion of white-collar jobs, particularly those requiring low to medium skills, could disappear within the next decade. In countries like Pakistan, around 17% of jobs—especially in manufacturing, agriculture, and support services—are highly susceptible to automation. This raises concerns about economic vulnerability, especially for low-income and less tech-savvy workers.

✨ The Rise of AI-Created Jobs and Emerging Fields

While some jobs are being automated, new ones are rapidly emerging. Positions in AI development, data science, cybersecurity, digital marketing, health tech, and fintech are on the rise. Many of these jobs offer higher wages, greater flexibility, and demand creative, strategic, or human-centered skills that AI cannot replicate. Countries investing in AI skill development and tech infrastructure are seeing growth in these areas. For Pakistan, there's been a significant increase in tech-sector employment and digital freelancing, driven by a global shift toward remote and AI-augmented work.

Pakistan's Strategy for an AI Future

Pakistan’s National AI Policy aims to equip one million individuals with AI-related skills by 2030. The policy also plans to support innovation through funding, incubators, and AI-powered public service platforms. Government institutions are focusing on expanding vocational and digital literacy programs to prepare the workforce for AI adoption. The emphasis is on reskilling workers, enhancing STEM education, and fostering partnerships between academia and industry. Additionally, support for freelancers and small business owners is considered essential, given the rapid expansion of gig economy platforms.

✅ Key Takeaways

AI-Driven Job Losses:

1. Routine white-collar and manual jobs are at high risk.

2. Roles like customer service, clerical, and transportation may face automation.

3. Significant job losses predicted globally and in countries like Pakistan.

AI-Generated Opportunities:

1. New demand for tech-forward, hybrid, and creative professions.

2. AI-exposed workers earn significantly more on average.

3. High growth in digital and healthcare sectors.

Pakistan-Specific Focus:

1. 17% of jobs at risk, primarily among lower-income workers.

2. Government pushing for mass AI training and skill development.

3. Public-private efforts aim to create a balanced and inclusive AI transition.