AI & public interest iournalism : mapping readiness of Pakistani independent digital newsrooms

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:- "This research study is a collaborative initiative made possible through the support and partnership of key individuals and institutions. Led and authored by Moaz Bhangu, the report benefited greatly from the strategic direction of Adnan Rehmat of International Media Support, whose partnership helped shape the scope and impact of this work."

"This report examines the evolving relationship between AI and independent digital journalism in Pakistan, offering a receptive diagnostic of current usage, capacities and aspirations among small- to medium-sized newsrooms. Situated within the broader context of unequal technological access and economic precarity, the study argues that while AI is rapidly being adopted in journalism worldwide, its integration into editorial functions and news distribution strategies, such as through content automation and audience analytics among others, is scattered in the Pakistan digital news sector and constrained by resource scarcity, infrastructural limitations and linguistic exclusion."