Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, officially inaugurated two significant projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) focused on emerging technologies. The launch event, held in Islamabad on Wednesday, saw the introduction of the “Common Criteria Pakistan” and “Quantum Communication” projects.
The inauguration was attended by senior officials from key ministries, including Defense, IT and Telecom, and Planning. Minister Iqbal commended the teams behind these initiatives for their dedication and lauded the projects’ potential for long-term self-sustainability.
In his speech, Iqbal reflected on Pakistan’s technological evolution, tracing it back to the establishment of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the country’s first IT policy under Vision 2010. He highlighted milestones such as the issuance of 3G and 4G licenses and the creation of several National Centers dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Big Data and Cloud Computing, Automation Robotics, and Satellite and GIS Technology.
These centers, he noted, have been instrumental in driving national progress by generating skilled human resources, fostering startups, and enhancing the country’s scientific and technological capabilities.
Looking forward, Minister Iqbal announced the introduction of four new centers, which will focus on Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, New Manufacturing Technologies, and Brand Development. He emphasized the pivotal role that advanced technology will play in the country’s future development.
Concluding his address, the minister acknowledged the challenges posed by Pakistan’s reliance on debt to fund development projects. He noted a significant reduction in the development budget from its original allocation and called for improved national-level coordination to prevent project duplication and ensure the efficient use of resources.
