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On Wednesday, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated two significant projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) focused on emerging technologies. The projects, named Common Criteria Pakistan and Quantum Communication, were launched with the presence of senior officials from the ministries of defence, information technology and telecom, and planning.
Minister Iqbal praised the efforts of the team behind these initiatives and expressed satisfaction with their self-sustaining models, which he believes will ensure long-term success. In his inauguration speech, Iqbal highlighted the technological advancements made since the establishment of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and the introduction of Pakistan’s first IT policy under “Vision 2010.”
He reflected on past achievements such as the successful issuance of 3G and 4G licenses and the establishment of several national centres, including the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, National Centre for Cyber Security, National Centre for Big Data and Cloud Computing, National Centre for Automation Robotics, and National Centre for Satellite and GIS Technology. These centres, Iqbal noted, have played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s technological capabilities by providing high-quality human resources, fostering startups, and enhancing scientific and technological skills.
The minister also introduced four new centres focusing on Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, New Manufacturing Technologies, and Brand Development, emphasizing their critical role in national development.
Looking towards the future, Iqbal reflected on Pakistan’s upcoming centennial celebrations alongside its neighboring country and expressed concern over the nation’s current economic performance. He pointed out the need for significant improvements in the country’s GDP, which has been on a downward trend.
Recent digital census data revealing a literacy rate of only 61%, with 26 million children out of school, along with high prevalence rates of hepatitis, diabetes, and polio, were highlighted as pressing issues. Despite these challenges, the minister expressed confidence in Pakistan’s potential for progress, stressing that with peace, stability, and continuity in policies and reforms, the nation could achieve significant development.
Iqbal underscored the importance of crafting a comprehensive 23-year plan to transform Pakistan into a trillion-dollar economy, emphasizing that stability and policy continuity are crucial for realizing this ambitious goal.
