Planning Minister Inaugurates Two Emerging Technologies Projects

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated two projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) on Emerging Technologies on Wednesday in Islamabad. The projects, named Common Criteria Pakistan and Quantum Communication, were launched in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of IT and Telecom and the Ministry of Planning. He 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 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 Centers 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 previous governments. He emphasized that these centers have 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 centers focusing on Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, New Manufacturing Technologies, and Brand Development, underscoring the critical role of modern technology in national development. He concluded by addressing the issue of the country’s heavy reliance on debt for financing development projects, noting a significant cut in the development budget from the originally allocated amount. He stressed on the need for national-level mapping coordination to prevent duplication of projects and ensure effective use of resources.