Pakistan 2030 vision: an applied artificial intelligence framework for sustainable development through cohesive stakeholder relations, employee engagement and protection behavior frameworks

Purpose The Pakistan 2030 vision seeks sustainable growth through AI, partnerships, workforce development and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). This research supports Pakistan and offers guidance for similar efforts worldwide, highlighting best practices and stakeholder views. It compares AI implementation in Pakistan and other countries’ government and private sectors, noting how AI frameworks support sustainability. Understanding global AI adoption, especially in developed nations, can help Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication revise its National AI Policy for responsible, sector-wide AI integration. This paper aims to advance environmental sustainability and AI framework effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach Data regarding stakeholders’ attitudes, willingness and perceptions were collected through a quantitative research design using a self-administered survey questionnaire. A sample of 343 participants was obtained through snowball sampling and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The study employed variables such as stakeholder relations, engagement, AI integration, sustainability, incentives and motivation to explore potential public–private cooperation in AI development. Most hypothesized associations showed significant results, except for the moderating effect of cultural context. Employees’ attitudes toward AI were assessed using Protection Motivation Theory, which also incorporated organizational initiatives that helped reshape employees’ perceptions regarding advanced technologies, such as AI. Originality/value This research makes a significant contribution to the fields of AI and sustainability studies. It offers insights into the Pakistan 2030 agenda, illustrating how organizations can utilize AI to enhance sustainable development through employee engagement and protection behavior.