Artificial Intelligence to Double Job Opportunities: Saquib Ahmad
ISLAMABAD: Saquib Ahmad, Country Director of SAP for Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bahrain, highlighted common misconceptions about artificial intelligence (AI) and said that while some believe AI will lead to widespread job loss, the reality is that it will create many new jobs.
Although AI may replace some existing roles, it is expected to double new opportunities. Fahad Zahid, Director – Large Enterprise, SAP Bahrain & Pakistan and Shamuel Ali, Director Midmarket & New Business, SAP Pakistan, Iraq, Bahrain & Afghanistan were also present with Saquib Ahmad.
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Expressing his views, Saquib Ahmad explained that before 2015, having a single skill could be enough to sustain a career. Today, due to rapid technological advancements, people need to continuously update their skills every few years to stay employed or succeed in business.
AI now handles tasks that once required human effort, such as sorting job applications or analyzing data, with just a single click. It performs these tasks efficiently and independently.
He also discussed how digitalization in Pakistan has evolved. While software was once seen as a secondary concern, it has now become essential for both government and business operations. Digitalization has expanded businesses, improved services, and increased transparency by maintaining permanent records that make it difficult to erase mistakes without leaving a trace.
Regarding the impact of firewalls and slow internet on SAP systems in Pakistan, Saquib Ahmad noted that the country’s internet speed is still better than that in some African countries. SAP systems work well with minimal bandwidth, so slow internet or firewalls have not significantly affected the clients.
On the economic situation in Pakistan, he mentioned that the tough times are over, and the market is growing rapidly. While some companies are leaving Pakistan due to their own challenges, there are still significant growth opportunities.
Saquib also talked about IT training for Pakistani youth. SAP’s system is used in 62% of countries and 95 of the top 100 companies globally. There is a high demand for professionals skilled in this system. Although courses typically cost around 100 euros, SAP offers free training and certification in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bahrain. It trains hundreds of young people in the US and provides job opportunities.
