Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said government has evolved a comprehensive strategy to digitalize country under Uraan Pakistan program.
"Pakistan is striving for development in space and quantum technology. In this regard 3 new national centers for quantum computing and a National Centre for Nanotechnology and new manufacturing are being established, he said this while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad.
He said that measures are underway to develop a new Silicon Valley in Pakistan, which will promote cross-fertilization of ideas and innovation by bringing talent, research, and industry together under one roof.
He held 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.
He noted that Pakistan's ongoing efforts to align itself with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, space innovation, drone and anti-drone engineering reflect the country's ambition to participate confidently in the technologies that will shape the future.
Ahsan Iqbal said the government's 'Uraan Pakistan' vision is firmly aligned with this ambition and is anchored in the five 'Es' of Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity and Empowerment.
Highlighting the importance of satellite technology, the Minister said that more than 9,000 satellites currently orbiting the Earth are transforming economies and saving countless lives through disaster management and early warning systems.
He emphasized that Pakistan, being among the most climate-vulnerable countries, has vast applications and opportunities to benefit from satellite technology, particularly in climate monitoring and disaster resilience.
Ahsan Iqbal further announced that the government 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 by adopting emerging technologies of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions.
He said that measures are underway to develop a new Silicon Valley in Pakistan, which will promote cross-fertilization of ideas and innovation by bringing talent, research, and industry together under one roof.
Reiterating the resolve for equipping Pakistan with technology and making it competitive nation he said artificial intelligence will prove a new engine of economic power of Pakistan.
The nations leading in technology will lead global economy, he added.
He also clarified that government has declared exports, digital economy and innovation as pillars of Uraan Pakistan.