Pakistan has launched three centers of excellence including the centers for quantum computing and nanotechnology to equip the country’s youth to cope with the upcoming challenges in the field of technology.
Three centers:
- National Centre for Manufacturing (NCM)
- National Centre for Quantum Computing (NCQC)
- National Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCNN)
These centers will be established at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore; Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology – GIK Institute – GIKI; NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, and NUST Islamabad.
What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to develop new structures, materials and devices. This technology can bring revolutionary advancement in many sectors such as medicine, consumer products, energy, materials, and manufacturing.
What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a rapidly-emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. It is a combination of physics, mathematics and programming.
Launch ceremony
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the Chairman of HEC, Vice Chancellors of the universities, and officials of the Ministry of Planning and Development attended the event.
“The establishment of the Centers of Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, and New Manufacturing represents a significant leap forward for Pakistan’s technological landscape, and the government remains committed to supporting initiatives that will pave the way for a prosperous and innovative future,” according to the Planning Ministry.
Speaking at the occasion, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of embracing emerging technologies to stay ahead in the era of disruption and innovation. Highlighting the historical significance of Muslim scientists in Spain, Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need for Pakistan to regain its leadership in knowledge and thought.
“These centers are expected to play a pivotal role in preparing Pakistan’s economy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and drive innovation across various sectors,” Minister Iqbal said.
Ahsan Iqbal also underlined the urgency to embrace emerging technologies like biotechnology, computer technology, robotics, telecommunication, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing, and stressed interdisciplinary approaches to address complex challenges.
The Centers for Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, and New Manufacturing are seen as transformative initiatives that hold great promise for Pakistan’s future. Secretary Planning Syed Zafar Ali Shah said the New Manufacturing Center will help enhance Pakistan’s manufacturing capabilities and boost economic growth.
Shah also emphasized the importance of funding and creative ideas in driving progress and praised the government’s commitment to supporting research and innovation. He called for collaboration and a shared vision among all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of these centers.
Seven-point performance framework
Minister Ahsan Iqbal encouraged the universities to become high-performance organizations, leading to globally recognized research outputs and patents. He also outlined a seven-point performance framework for higher education institutions, focusing on:
- Academic excellence
- Research
- Innovation
- Academia-industry linkages
- Community service
- Technology capability
- Corporate governance
The minister further highlighted that under the vision of 2025, several initiatives were taken particularly in the field of education to empower the youth of the country. “This is the first time in the country’s history that the budget of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has been increased from Rs40 billion to Rs70 billion,” he said.