ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday inaugurated two projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) on emerging technologies.

The projects, named Common Criteria Pakistan and Quantum Communication, were launched in the presence of senior officials from the ministries of defence, information technology and telecom and the planning, said a press release.

The minister appreciated the efforts of the team that made the projects a reality and expressed satisfaction over the self-sustenance models of both projects in the longer term.

In his address during the inauguration ceremony, the minister highlighted the technological advancements achieved since the establishment of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and the first IT policy of Pakistan under “Vision 2010”.

He noted the successful issuance of 3G and 4G licenses, 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 in the previous governments.

Mr Iqbal emphasised that these centres had contributed to the country’s progress by providing high-quality human resources, fostering startups, and enhancing scientific and technological skills.

He highlighted the introduction of four new centres focusing on Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, New Manufacturing Technologies and Brand Development, underscoring the critical role of modern technology in national development.

Looking ahead, the minister mentioned that in just 24 years, both Pakistan and its neighbouring country would celebrate their 100th Independence Day. He expressed concern over Pakistan’s current economic position and the need for significant effort to improve the country’s GDP, which had been on a downward trend.

Mr Iqbal pointed out that recent digital census data showed a literacy rate of only 61 per cent with 26 million children out of school and Pakistan’s high prevalence of hepatitis, diabetes and polio.

The minister expressed confidence in Pakistan’s potential for progress, stating that with peace, stability and continuity of policies and reforms, the nation could achieve the same level of development as other countries.

He stressed the importance of creating a comprehensive 23-year plan to transform Pakistan’s economy into a trillion-dollar-plus economy, highlighting that stability and policy continuity were key to achieving this goal.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2024