The Urgent Need for AI-Guidelines and Framework for Medical Education and Research in Pakistan

The public release of ChatGPT in November 2022 and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools have significantly influenced medical education and research worldwide, including in Pakistan. Despite widespread use among faculty and students, Pakistan currently lacks national guidelines on the ethical use of AI in medical education and research. Regulatory bodies such as the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan have yet to provide policy direction. This absence of oversight raises concerns about academic integrity, responsible AI use, and equitable access. This viewpoint identified key gaps in governance and proposed practical, context-sensitive recommendations, including the national AI ethics guidelines, faculty training, curriculum integration, and the establishment of an AI research integrity consortium. Coordinated action by institutions, policymakers, and journal editors is essential to ensure ethical, effective, and locally relevant AI integration in medical academia. Without such measures, Pakistan risks academic misconduct and further marginalisation in global research. Key Words: Artificial intelligence, Ethics, Governance, Guidelines.