Islamabad, March 13 (INP) -- Ahsan Iqbal, the new Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, visited NUST's National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) and other centers on robotics, cybersecurity, big data, and cloud computing that he established. During his visit, the Minister received a briefing on NCAI and other national centers' progress. He stressed their potential for boosting the economy through product commercialization and digital exports with HEC's guidance. The Minister highlighted AI's importance for national transformation. The Minister's visit emphasizes not only a strategic commitment to advancing the national centers of technology but also underscores his eagerness for swift progress, emphasizing the crucial role of these institutions in shaping Pakistan's technological and economic future.

Dr. Yasar Ayaz, NCAI Chairman, outlined NCAI's vital role in shaping the nation's tech landscape. He highlighted its economic impact through research, industry projects, and products deployed in sectors like safe cities, agriculture, education, and disaster management. The Minister instructed NCAI to conduct 2-3 day AI training for federal secretaries and senior public servants to grasp AI's transformative potential in their domains. He emphasized AI's role in good governance and the necessity for integrating AI for economic growth and a knowledge-based economy. Minister Iqbal urged NCAI to reconvene the Task Force with AI experts from international and local corporate sectors to expedite roadmap initiation. He commended the centers' achievements and stressed sustainability. NCAI proposed two sustainability policies in 2019, pending HEC approval. HEC suggested an F&P committee to sustain the labs and center.

Minister stressed HEC to revisit decisions and NCAI policies for sustainability. He directed HEC to expedite solutions, focusing on commercialization and industry collaboration. Minister urged direct engagement with HEC and highlighted its pivotal role in ensuring initiative success. Minister emphasized academia-industry collaboration for product commercialization, curriculum reforms, and AI's potential in various sectors. He praised NCAI's dedication and urged HEC to accelerate funding release, address delays, and reinforce technology's role in Pakistan's economic growth. The Planning Minister directed HEC to release the delayed Rs 500 million funds and revise HR salaries promptly for FY 2023-2024. He demanded swift submission of revised PC-1s for national centers as per CDWP decisions.

The Director General P&D HEC assured one-week submission. Minister urged Chief S&T MoPD&SI for diligent follow-up on the pressing issue. NCAI provided updates on its collaboration with SDAIA, awaiting federal cabinet approval. They discussed collaborative projects with government, non-government bodies, hospitals, malls, and startups. The Minister was briefed on NCAI's new training modules, initiated on Prof Ahsan Iqbal's suggestion during his last tenure. During the briefing presentation was also given on the National Center of Robotics and Automation (NCRA) and showcased its achievements in agriculture, healthcare collaborations, and advanced robotics for industries. The National Center of Cyber Security highlighted the launch of over 50 products, international partnerships, and efforts in improving Pakistan's global ranking. Initiatives include cyber audits for national bodies, degree programs, and security evaluations under the Common Criteria Lab framework.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)