Pakistan reaffirmed its role on the global technology stage at the BeiDou Summit held in Hunan, where Planning Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary underlined the country’s position as the first foreign nation to implement the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). He emphasized that this collaboration is not only advancing Pakistan’s technological future but also contributing to economic growth, job creation, and international partnerships. In his keynote address, he said BeiDou is already shaping vital sectors such as aviation, agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and e-commerce, making it an important element of Pakistan’s long-term strategy.
During the summit, Prof. Iqbal also held discussions with China’s Vice Premier Li Qiang to enhance cooperation in innovation and technology. He stressed that BeiDou is more than just a navigation tool; it serves as a platform for broader collaboration, enabling new opportunities for Pakistan to participate in regional and global technology ecosystems. The minister highlighted that Pakistan’s adoption of BDS is directly tied to its efforts to build a knowledge-based economy, where technology plays a central role in industrial modernization and governance reforms.
To strengthen the impact of this partnership, Prof. Iqbal announced a Six-Point Agenda aimed at maximizing the benefits of BDS integration in Pakistan. This includes developing local applications such as Pak-SBAS and Pak-GBAS, creating public-private partnerships to drive commercial use, and establishing training programs to equip young scientists and engineers with skills relevant to satellite navigation and space technology. He noted that these initiatives will help embed BDS into key national systems, while also building local expertise that will allow Pakistan to compete internationally.
Prof. Iqbal added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has evolved into a broader technology corridor, with space and navigation innovations now taking a central role. According to him, BeiDou is at the core of this transformation, enabling Pakistan to enhance its capabilities in sectors that are critical for future development. He particularly emphasized the role of youth in this journey, pointing out that empowering the next generation with technical training and access to emerging technologies is essential for ensuring long-term progress. He said Pakistan’s collaboration with BeiDou reflects the country’s vision to merge economic goals with technological advancement, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in its digital transformation.
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