Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that artificial intelligence presents a historic opportunity to transform Pakistan’s youth bulge into a skilled technological powerhouse, enable local businesses to compete globally, and convert governance into transparent, data-driven engines of development. Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, the Minister emphasized the strategic importance of embracing cutting-edge technologies.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister highlighted that nations mastering artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and autonomous space technologies are set to lead the global economy in the coming decades. He noted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to align with rapid advancements in these fields, reflecting the country’s ambition to confidently engage with future-shaping technologies.

Ahsan Iqbal stated that the government’s ‘Uraan Pakistan’ vision is closely aligned with this ambition, focusing on the five ‘Es’: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity and Empowerment. He highlighted the critical role of satellite technology, noting that over 9,000 satellites currently orbiting the Earth are revolutionizing economies and aiding in disaster management and early warning systems.

The Minister emphasized the vast applications and opportunities for Pakistan, especially as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, to benefit from satellite technology in climate monitoring and disaster resilience. He further announced plans to establish three Centers of Excellence, including a National Centre for Quantum Computing and a National Centre for Nanotechnology, aimed at upgrading the national economy through emerging technologies of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions.

He revealed that measures are underway to develop a new Silicon Valley in Pakistan, which will encourage innovation and idea exchange by bringing talent, research, and industry together under one roof.