Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, has announced ambitious plans to establish national centers dedicated to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, quantum computing, and nanotechnology. The initiative is aimed at positioning Pakistan as a technology-driven economy and plays a crucial role in the government’s long-term vision of achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2035.
Speaking at an event to mark World Engineering Day, Prof. Iqbal addressed a gathering of engineers, academics, and industry professionals, emphasizing that the establishment of these centers is a strategic move to ensure Pakistan remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global technological landscape. He stressed the need for a national mission centered on innovation and export-led growth, which he described as essential for the country’s economic transformation.
Highlighting the critical role of engineering in national development, Prof. Iqbal pointed out that while Pakistan has an abundance of talented engineers, the country still ranks 91st among 133 nations in the Global Innovation Index. He underscored the urgency of bridging this gap by fostering a culture of continuous innovation, aligning engineering institutions with global standards, and encouraging research and development in cutting-edge fields.
To strengthen Pakistan’s engineering and research capabilities, the minister announced a six-billion-rupee project aimed at upgrading five leading engineering universities. The institutions benefiting from this initiative include NED University in Karachi, UET Lahore, UET Peshawar, UET Khuzdar, and UET Taxila. Under this project, these universities will receive funding to develop state-of-the-art laboratories and enhance their research facilities, ensuring that students and faculty are well-equipped to contribute to technological advancements.
Prof. Iqbal also emphasized that stability, continuity, reform, and unity are key pillars for fostering technological growth. He called upon the engineering community to support the government’s mission to build a technologically advanced Pakistan, stressing that the future of the country depends on its ability to embrace and lead in emerging fields such as AI and quantum computing.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Engineer Farhat Adil, Institute of Engineers Pakistan Chairman Engineer Amir Zameer, and several senior engineers and young professionals from across the country. Their participation reflected a shared commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s engineering sector and ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
With these new initiatives, the government aims to create an ecosystem that supports research, fosters collaboration between academia and industry, and accelerates Pakistan’s transition into a knowledge-based economy. The success of these efforts will largely depend on effective policy implementation, sustained investment in research, and the ability to adapt to global technological trends. As the country takes steps toward this transformation, the engineering and technology sectors are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s economic and industrial future.
