By ABDULLAH 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword it is quickly becoming a major force shaping industries, economies, and everyday life. With every new innovation, there comes both excitement and concern. One of the biggest debates today is: Will AI take away jobs, or will it create new opportunities?
According to recent research by Goldman Sachs, the answer is more balanced than the fears suggest. While AI adoption may cause temporary disruptions in the global job market, its long-term effect is likely to be far more positive, creating opportunities that didn’t exist before.
Goldman Sachs estimates that the large-scale adoption of AI could temporarily increase unemployment by about 0.5% during the transition period. This means some workers will lose jobs as companies restructure and shift toward more automated systems.
The research highlights that if AI technology was applied widely across the economy, up to 2.5% of US employment could face displacement. Jobs most at risk include:
- Computer programmers
- Accountants and auditors
- Legal and administrative assistants
- Customer service representatives
This might sound alarming, but history shows us that technological shifts always create new opportunities after initial disruption.
Every major technological revolution—from industrial machinery to computers—was initially met with fear of job loss. However, in the long run, new industries, businesses, and occupations emerged.
For instance, 60% of US workers today are employed in roles that didn’t exist in 1940. More than 85% of job growth since then has been driven by technology. AI is expected to follow a similar pattern: while some traditional roles may shrink, entirely new career paths will open up.
One of the most promising aspects of AI is its ability to boost productivity. Goldman Sachs predicts that generative AI could increase labor productivity by around 15% in developed economies once fully adopted.
This means tasks that currently take hours can be completed in minutes, freeing up human workers for more complex, creative, and high-value roles. While short-term unemployment may rise, the efficiency gains will likely generate new business models, services, and demand for skilled labor.
Not all jobs face the same level of risk. Occupations that involve repetitive, routine tasks are more likely to be automated. On the other hand, jobs requiring creativity, leadership, or human interaction remain safe.
Jobs at Higher Risk:
- Telemarketers
- Proofreaders and copy editors
- Credit analysts
- Customer support roles
Jobs at Lower Risk:
- Air traffic controllers
- Chief executives
- Radiologists and pharmacists
- Photographers
- Religious leaders and advisors
This division shows that while AI may replace certain tasks, it is unlikely to completely replace human decision-making, empathy, or creativity.
There is already evidence that AI is beginning to reshape hiring. In industries like graphic design, marketing consultancy, and office administration, growth rates have slowed as companies experiment with AI tools for efficiency.
The technology sector itself is also feeling the shift. Since 2022, tech-related employment has fallen below pre-pandemic trends. Young graduates entering fields like programming and IT report tougher competition and fewer job opportunities due to automation.
However, it’s important to note that these changes are still limited in scale. A survey found that only 9.3% of US companies actively used generative AI in their operations, meaning adoption is still in its early stages.
For Pakistan, AI adoption could be both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, outsourcing jobs in IT, customer service, and accounting could face pressure as companies abroad use automation. On the other hand, Pakistani workers skilled in AI development, data science, and automation management may find new opportunities in global markets.
With Pakistan’s large young workforce, investment in AI-related education and training could help the country turn this challenge into an advantage. If adopted smartly, AI could improve productivity in sectors like agriculture, finance, and healthcare, driving national growth.
The rise of AI will undoubtedly reshape the global workforce. Some jobs will disappear, others will change, and entirely new ones will emerge. While Goldman Sachs estimates that up to 7% of workers may be displaced in the short term, the long-term outlook suggests more opportunity than threat.
For countries like Pakistan, the key will be adapting quickly investing in AI education, embracing new technologies, and preparing workers for jobs that AI cannot replace.
In short: AI won’t destroy the workforce it will redefine it.