LAHORE: (Wednesday, April 29, 2026): Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, stated that artificial intelligence and social welfare are serious subjects. Referring to the destruction caused by conflicts such as those between Iran and the US, he raised the question of whether AI can create solutions to prevent such devastation, and who will take steps to ensure peace in the world. He was addressing the 3rd international conference titled “Artificial Intelligence, Social Change, and Scientific Development”, organized by Punjab University Department of Social Work in collaboration with Research Consultancy on Social and Management Development. On this occasion, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, DG PEMRA Punjab Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo, IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazir, Chairperson Department of Social Work Prof Dr. Uzma Ashiq, NGO representatives, and a large number of teachers and students from PU and other universities were present. In his address, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that AI is revolutionizing every field of life, including medicine and warfare, and has become a war machine in conflicts. He encouraged young people to dream big, saying that these dreams shape the destiny of the nation and should be realized. He advised students to decide their future goals. He added that the internship program introduced by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz is very popular among students and progressing well, and social work students will also be included in it. He also remarked that the IG Prisons deserves an honorary doctorate for his reform initiatives. He emphasized that they are people who want peace in the world. Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali said that all disciplines, including social sciences, are necessary to maintain balance in society. He noted that PU offers around ninety degree programs in social sciences, which are highly needed. He added that in the future, everyone will learn artificial intelligence, as it is not just a degree but a skill accessible to all. He also mentioned ongoing reforms at the university. He appreciated the organizers for successfully conducting the conference. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt said that youth pursuing higher education and progressing is a positive sign for society. She emphasized that young people are future leaders and their voices matter. She said that while laws can be made behind closed doors, their implementation requires public support. She stressed the importance of engaging with youth to identify shortcomings and bring improvements. Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo stated that nations around the world are evaluating how to benefit from AI, but they are facing delays in adopting this facility. She mentioned that the government has formulated a comprehensive policy to monitor the negative aspects of AI effectively. She also said that during recent tensions, India used AI for propaganda against Pakistan, which was strongly countered by Pakistan’s military leadership. She added that AI technology has begun replacing humans, with robots taking over roles of doctors and nurses and enabling advanced disease diagnosis. She highlighted that AI is extremely beneficial in education and research, but the key question is whether humans will control AI or vice versa. She also emphasized the need to bring digital, print, and electronic media under one regulatory body, and said PEMRA is ready to cooperate in this regard. IG Prisons Farooq Nazir said that he himself studied social work and it greatly benefited his career. He described the field as promising with job opportunities and advised students to be smart and adapt to technology, as changes now occur in seconds rather than weeks or months. Prof Dr. Uzma Ashiq, while thanking the distinguished guests and participants, stated that the Department of Social Work at Punjab University will continue to play its role in the welfare and development of society.