Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ Pakistan is poised to become Asia’s fastest-growing economy within the next 22 years, according to Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Astrolabe Datacentre at NED Engineering University, Iqbal expressed optimism for the country’s future, attributing this growth potential to Pakistan’s favorable demographic dynamics and abundant natural resources. Iqbal also highlighted that Pakistan’s unique advantage lies in its impressive ratio of natural resources to population, which stands unmatched in the region. This, he believes, positions Pakistan to capitalize on its strengths and emerge as a leading economic power in Asia.
The minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Astrolabe Datacentre. Also present at the event were notable figures such as Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, and Vice Chancellor of NED Engineering University, Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi. During his address, Ahsan Iqbal pointed out that Pakistan possesses all the key resources necessary for economic advancement. These include a youthful and growing workforce, abundant natural minerals, and modern infrastructure that the country has diligently built over recent years. However, Iqbal emphasized that the key to realizing Pakistan’s economic potential lies in the stability and continuity of policies. If these are ensured, Pakistan can make significant strides toward becoming an economic powerhouse in the region.
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The Federal Minister also underscored the importance of utilizing the newly inaugurated Datacentre to its full potential. While celebrating its construction, he emphasized that the real value of the Datacentre lies in how it is used to advance research and provide better learning opportunities for students. According to Iqbal, integrating private sector investments and harmonizing them with the knowledge and industry sectors will be crucial in shaping Pakistan’s digital future. Iqbal urged Pakistan’s universities to transition from traditional academic institutions to innovation hubs that can provide solutions to real-world problems. In particular, he called upon engineering universities to play a central role in driving the nation’s progress, pointing out that Pakistan’s future rests in the hands of these institutions.
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Drawing a parallel with the United States, Iqbal explained that America’s status as a superpower is not just a result of its military or economic might, but also because of its world-renowned universities. He urged Pakistan to follow a similar path, leveraging higher education and research to drive sustainable development. Turning his focus to Pakistan’s digital future, the minister outlined the roadmap set under the Uraan Pakistan initiative, which aims to establish a robust digital infrastructure across the country. This initiative includes plans to implement artificial intelligence in every sector, an effort currently being driven by the National Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
Iqbal expressed confidence that Pakistan is at a turning point in its economic journey. “Alhamdulillah, now all our economic indicators are positive,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements. He stressed the need for the nation to fully embrace the digital revolution, which will enable Pakistan to move at the speed of electrons in its development process. In his closing remarks, Iqbal commended the leadership of Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, Vice Chancellor of NED Engineering University, for successfully guiding the institution in building the Datacentre. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Higher Education Commission, Huawei, and the World Bank in making the Datacentre a reality.
Describing data as the fuel of the future, Iqbal explained that in today’s knowledge-based economy, access to and use of data is as vital as petroleum was to the industrial revolution. The Datacentre will serve as a critical resource for researchers, industries, and students, providing a platform for innovation and development. Iqbal concluded by urging the Higher Education Commission to ensure that the Datacentre is not underutilized. He called for collective efforts to maximize its potential, stating, “Let us all work together to put Pakistan on the path of development.” At the end of the event, Iqbal was presented with a shield in recognition of his contributions. In return, he honored Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi with a shield for his leadership in this landmark achievement for NED Engineering University.
