In a significant move to advance the country’s scientific and technological frontier, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved the establishment of a National Center for Quantum Computing (NCQC) with a budget of Rs. 3.318 billion. The decision was taken during a CDWP meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, which underscored the government’s commitment to promoting innovation in higher education and information technology.
The NCQC project, categorized under the Higher Education sector, aims to position Pakistan at the forefront of emerging technologies, particularly quantum computing—a field rapidly gaining global importance for its applications in cybersecurity, complex computation, and next-gen communication systems. This center is expected to serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and development, as well as a training ground for local talent in quantum science.
The meeting was attended by top officials including Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, the Chief Economist, Vice Chancellor of PIDE, and senior representatives from Federal Ministries and Provincial Governments. This high-level forum approved four major development projects amounting to Rs. 21.83 billion and referred six larger-scale projects worth Rs. 227.34 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.
Among other significant IT-related projects, the “Expansion of Safe City, Islamabad” was approved with a cost of Rs. 7.49 billion. This project is expected to enhance urban security infrastructure through the deployment of smart surveillance and integrated communication systems in the capital.
In the broader scope of development, multiple high-value projects in the Transport and Communication (T&C) sector were discussed. These include the “Dualization of Sargodha–Khushab–Mianwali Road” (Rs. 11.8 billion), “Development of a Controlled Access Corridor in Lahore” (Rs. 10.84 billion), and the “Reconstruction of National Highway N-5” spanning 210 kilometers (Rs. 155.4 billion). All were referred to ECNEC for further deliberation.
The rehabilitation of Pakistan Railways’ track maintenance machines was also approved, with Rs. 5.31 billion allocated to modernize and maintain rail infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient railway operations.
From the environmental standpoint, a new project titled “IPF Component for Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP)” was greenlit with a budget of Rs. 5.7 billion. This reflects a growing recognition of environmental sustainability in national planning.
The approval of the National Center for Quantum Computing signals a forward-looking vision, aimed at equipping Pakistan with the research capabilities and human capital necessary to navigate and lead in the future digital economy. It aligns with broader national goals under Digital Pakistan to integrate technological innovation across sectors, from education to governance and infrastructure.
By nurturing local expertise and establishing institutional frameworks, Pakistan takes a bold step towards technological sovereignty in quantum science—one of the most transformative fields of the 21st century.
