In a significant step towards fostering innovation and embracing emerging technologies, Pakistan held a launching ceremony at the Planning Ministry for the National Excellence Centres. The centers include National Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCNN), National Centre for Manufacturing (NCM), and National Centre for Quantum Computing (NCQC). The event’s chief guest was Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal. Notable attendees included Deputy Speaker National Assembly Zahid Akram Durrani, Secretary Ministry of Planning Syed Zafar Ali Shah, and vice-chancellors of various universities.
Focus Universities for National Centres:
The National Centres will be established at esteemed universities across the country. These universities include Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and University of Engineering and Technology (UET) in Lahore, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) in Topi, NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, and Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science at NUST in Islamabad.
Promoting a Culture of Innovation:
The NCQC aims to go beyond just adopting quantum computing technology. It seeks to nurture a culture of innovation, cultivate a new generation of thinkers, and revolutionize Pakistan’s digital landscape. The center’s robust framework will not only build capacity but also create a knowledge-based ecosystem capable of sustained growth. It aspires to become a hub for academic research, technological innovation, and industry applications in the field of quantum computing.
Previous Initiatives and Vision 2025:
This initiative follows several successful launches in recent years. In 2017, the Planning Ministry established National Centre of Robotics and Automation (NCRA), National Centre of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) at NUST, National Centre for Cyber Security (NCCS) at the Air University, and National Centre in Big Data and Cloud Computing (NCBC). In March 2020, National Centre GIS Space Applications (NCGSA) and National Centre for Livestock Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics (NCLBG&G) were also launched under Vision 2025.
Vision for the Future:
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of equipping the country’s youth with the necessary skills to face technological challenges. He highlighted that success in this century relies on innovation, and knowledge and technology are the key weapons for nations to prosper. The minister proudly noted that, for the first time in history, the budget of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has been increased from Rs 40 billion to Rs 70 billion, demonstrating the government’s commitment to empowering the youth through education.
Encouraging Improvements in Higher Education:
Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged the vice-chancellors to play a constructive role in enhancing the teaching system of higher education. He reiterated the government’s focus on empowering the youth through quality education and called on the academic community to contribute to this noble vision.
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