THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN STRENGTHENING ANTI-CORRUPTION MECHANISMS IN PAKISTAN: A GOVERNANCE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In Pakistan, corruption is no more an impediment to governance itself or an eroding of confidence in the city in addition to interfering with institutional accountability and deterrence that has plugged into sustainable development. Traditional anti-corruption systems, which rely frequently on manual audits, allegations by whistleblowers, and follow-up investigations, time and time again have proved to be inadequate in the face of progressively complex groups of fraud and malfeasance. Artificial intelligence (AI) conversely provides a revolutionary opportunity to rethink the system of governance with predictive, real-time and data-driven means to identify, prevent and mitigate corrupt activities. The paper examines the question that AI can help improve anti-corruption mechanisms in Pakistan in the context of the governance theory, capacity of the institutions, and legal framework.

By analyzing the recent developments in the world and the local projects of 2024 and 2025 (this includes the biometric data analytics of NADRA, the fraud detecting elements of FBR that rely on AI, and e-governance programs that are emerging), this paper examines the possibility of using AI in a unique environment of Pakistan in terms of socio-political and administrative aspects. It examines how machine learning, natural language processing, and anomaly detection systems have the potential to provide assistance to supervisory organizations, increase transparency of procurement, and allow citizen participation. The case of KrattAI and its Estonian or example of data-driven surveillance of public officials in China is critically analyzed as international models to enlighten on the feasibility of policy transfers.

Nevertheless, the implementation of the AI into Pakistan anti-corruption environment entails a risk. There is still the issue of algorithmic bias, absence of technical infrastructure, the overuse of surveillance, and the ambiguity represented by law regarding data privacy and due process. Through an existing body of statutes that include the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (2016), the National Accountability Ordinance (1999), and the Right of Access to Information Act (2017), the paper assesses the institutional preparedness in Pakistan that has not fully embraced AI tools due to critical gaps in the legal and ethical frameworks that have to be filled before such tools become both effective and accountable.

Finally, this study sees that AI will have the potential to become more than just a technological device, but a governance reform mechanism, albeit under the condition that its usage will be tied to the transparency, regulation, and ideal integrity. The paper proposes the establishment of a national AI and Governance Taskforce in the Cabinet Division, capacity-building initiatives in anti-corruption authorities, as well as changing the law to make algorithms responsible. This paper will inject relevant material into the larger conversation on digital governance and anti-corruption in the Global South by combining advanced scholarly resources and up-to-date policy data to successfully provided an updated roadmap on how to use AI in the fight against corruption in Pakistan.