Islamabad, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has advocated for the transformative potential of the Center of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in boosting the national economy through advancements in product commercialization and digital exports. His remarks came during a visit to the National Center of Artificial Intelligence at the National University of Science and Technology.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Minister’s visit was focused on evaluating the progress at the NCAI and similar national entities dedicated to robotics, cybersecurity, big data, and cloud computing. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the critical role of technology and AI in the economic development of countries worldwide, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to harness these tools for national progress.

During his tour, Ahsan Iqbal received detailed briefings on the achievements of NCAI and its counterparts. He engaged with Professor Dr. Yasar Ayaz, Chairman of the National Center of Artificial Intelligence, who elaborated on the Center’s central position in advancing Pakistan’s tech landscape. The Minister urged the NCAI to initiate AI training programs for high-level government officials, enhancing their understanding of AI’s potential impact on their respective fields.

Furthermore, Iqbal called for the reconvening of the AI Task Force, suggesting the inclusion of international and Pakistani AI experts from the corporate sector to enrich discussions and accelerate the development of a strategic roadmap. He underlined the necessity of academia-industry partnerships for the successful market introduction of technological innovations and the revision of educational curricula to include accreditation and standardization by national tech centers.

The emphasis on AI reflects Pakistan’s ambition to leverage emerging technologies to catalyze growth across various sectors, demonstrating a commitment to integrating cutting-edge innovations into the economic fabric of the nation.