LAHORE: The 13th Asian Management Research Conference (AMRC 2026) concluded at the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), bringing together policymakers, corporate leaders and academics to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities shaping business and society in Asia.
One of the key sessions at the conference, titled “AI & the Human Condition: Implications for Business & Society,” examined how artificial intelligence is transforming productivity, employment and competitiveness in Pakistan’s economy. The industry–academia panel emphasized that while AI offers significant efficiency gains, its adoption must be guided by ethical frameworks, investment in human capital and safeguards for social well-being.
The session was chaired by Dr Muhammad Adeel Zaffar, Dean, SDSB, LUMS, and featured Aamer Ejaz, Chief AI Officer, JazzWorld; Ali Farid Khawaja, Commissioner, SECP; Asif Akram, Chief Operating Officer, Systems Limited; and Dr Maurizio Sobrero, Professor, UAE University.
Speaking at the panel, Aamer Ejaz said that although entry-level jobs are likely to be commoditized, foundational education in sciences, mathematics and coding remains essential. He likened AI to calculators, noting that technology improves speed and efficiency but does not eliminate the need to understand core concepts. He stressed that academia must shift from focusing solely on providing correct answers to teaching students how to ask the right questions. “AI can generate multiple responses, but judgment, critical thinking and the ability to connect insights across disciplines remain human strengths,” he said, adding that future graduates must develop broad, interdisciplinary understanding spanning science, business, economics and technology.
Ejaz said AI should be harnessed to address major global challenges such as climate change, disease, economic inequality and social fragmentation. “If AI helps solve even 10 percent of these problems, that would be a significant achievement,” he remarked.
Ali Farid highlighted the psychological and social impact of AI-driven uncertainty, urging universities to play a stronger role beyond awarding degrees. He emphasized the need to teach humility, acknowledging that established knowledge and textbook models may no longer remain valid in rapidly changing environments.
Drawing on his experience in financial services, Farid warned that AI is increasingly replacing, rather than augmenting, human roles. He cited examples of AI outperforming research analysts and automated systems negotiating more efficiently than people. “The pace of change is frightening — for professionals, for our children and for society at large,” he said. Farid called on academic institutions to help students prepare emotionally and mentally for prolonged uncertainty and potential job displacement, noting rising stress levels among young job seekers.
Offering an industry perspective, Asif Akram said automation would reshape job roles rather than eliminate them entirely. He stressed that companies must re-skill their workforce and redesign processes to remain competitive in international export markets.
Dr Maurizio Sobrero said fear should not paralyse decision-making in uncertain times. While emphasizing the importance of ethics and regulation, he argued that complementary systems such as liability frameworks, certification mechanisms and professional training models must evolve alongside AI.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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