Bridging the Technological Gap: The Need for AI Literacy among Lawyers and Judges in Pakistan

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18387850

Abstract

The quick adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the legal practice of the world has changed the traditional legal research, drafting, and adjudication modes of practice. Nevertheless, Pakistani legal fraternity is still in dire need to be ready to embrace these technological changes. The paper will discuss the urgency of teaching AI literacy to lawyers and judges in Pakistan and how a lack of awareness and training on the use of AI can lead to the ineffectiveness and lack of integrity of the justice system. The qualitative examination of the existing practice and the comparison with technologically advanced jurisdictions shows that the main obstacles to change include the lack of digital competency programs, technological illiteracy regarding education, and the unwillingness of institutions to adopt change. This paper suggests that legal professionals must be provided with basic AI literacy to promote fair and transparent justice delivery and technological flexibility. It advises curricular changes in the field of legal education, ongoing judicial education, and governmental policy interventions that would promote responsible and efficient use of AI in the legal field in Pakistan.