Pakistan, despite lagging in global AI readiness rankings (eighth out of 17 in South and Central Asia according to Oxford Insights), is experiencing a surge in low-quality, AI-generated media. This "AI slop," as it's termed, often involves cheaply produced visual content flooding social media, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) has uncovered networks of YouTube channels using AI to create misleading content, raising concerns about fake news and misinformation. The lack of comprehensive national AI regulations has exacerbated this issue, with critics like Nighat Dad of the DRF highlighting the Global South's vulnerability to unregulated AI harms.

Conversely, some Pakistanis are leveraging AI tools for creative and economic gain. A 20-year-old Karachi entrepreneur, Zubair, reported earning $2,000 per month creating content with AI, significantly improving his efficiency and income. This highlights the dual nature of AI's impact: creating opportunities while simultaneously posing challenges related to misinformation and ethical concerns. YouTube's recent policy updates aim to curb AI-generated clickbait, but their effectiveness in Pakistan remains uncertain. Established media companies like Morango Films are adapting by upskilling their teams and integrating AI into their workflows, recognizing both the potential and the ethical considerations involved. Experts like Yasar Ayaz, chairman of Pakistan's National Center of Artificial Intelligence, acknowledge the need for initial investment to attract foreign investment and foster broader AI development.

Impact Statement: The rapid proliferation of low-quality AI-generated content in Pakistan underscores the urgent need for robust national AI regulations and ethical guidelines to mitigate the risks of misinformation while harnessing the economic opportunities presented by AI technology.