Artificial intelligence, information technology a prerequisite to compete

National Showcasing of Artificial Intelligence and IoT Products & Services” was organized by COMSTECH Secretariat and other partners in the capital.
The National Exhibit/Showcase was aimed to further foster interest in Science, Technology, and Innovation and to popularize the field of artificial intelligence among the youth of Pakistan, stimulating their interest in the sphere of innovation, and in high-tech areas of technology.
It was intended to bring a unique platform for innovators, technology developers, service providers, who are eager and ready to share experience and professional skills with participants of common interests in science, technology and innovation.
The National Exhibit/Showcase, as the organizers said was designed for projects and innovations in the realm of AI or allied technologies.
It aimed at next generation technologies, solutions and strategies from all over Pakistan, and an opportunity to explore and discover the practical and successful implementation of AI and allied technologies in Pakistan.
It meant to bring all the stakeholders in Pakistan on one platform, providing the opportunity to network with relevant ministries, industry R&D organizations, academia, strategic organizations and peers.
President Dr. Arif Alvi addressed the moot stressing the need for th promotion of artificial intelligence and information technology in order to compete with the world.
He said Pakistan could become a major player in technology by aligning expertise with future demands adding that data was the ‘new gold of contemporary age’, which he said could be used to gain maximum benefit to boost the economy and enhance exports.
He mentioned that China and Japan were prominent examples of making strides in development by combining systems of governance with technology.
The President said Pakistan was working towards the implementation of a digital payment system for smooth and fast financial transactions.
He said with agriculture as the country’s backbone, the use of drones for harvest operations and pest sprays, and monitoring crop growth through digital-imaging capabilities could help the farmers for making correct assessments about their fields.
The President stressed better optimization of the country’s big database of individuals to explore areas that required more attention.
He termed three stages important in making a difference in the field of artificial intelligence, including concept and innovation, translating it into the product, and effective marketing.
He emphasized on developing human resources that could contribute to software making and thus excel in digital technology.
President Alvi said the COMSTECH could play an effective role in the promotion of science and technology in Islamic countries and expressed confidence that the exhibit would provide academics and industries a platform to jointly pave the way towards the journey of technological development.
Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said ‘Think Future’ and ‘Made in Pakistan’ was the two-pronged approach of his ministry to translate research into products.
He said the country, which was importing equipment after detection of its first coronavirus case in February had achieved the capability of exporting PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) within a few months.
He said precision agriculture, chemical replacement, and electronics were the next focus areas of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Chaudhry Fawad stressed the need for bidding farewell to the ‘culture of banning’ of tech applications, journals, and books, and said focusing on counter-narrative would be more effective instead of trying to build narratives.
Coordinator General COMSTECH Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary apprised the audience about the scope of the exhibition within the country and abroad.
Developers of artificial intelligence, academic policymakers, data analysts, and experts attended the event.