ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday called for a strategic technology partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN countries to foster inclusive and sustainable prosperity, urging a shift from traditional diplomacy toward innovation-led cooperation.
Speaking at the ASEAN-Pakistan Technology Expo in Islamabad, Iqbal highlighted the transformative power and dual-edged risks of emerging technologies, citing challenges like climate change, youth unemployment, the digital divide, and skills mismatch in developing regions. “Disruptive innovations are reshaping global economies and societies,” he said.
He proposed a three-pillar framework for ASEAN-Pakistan collaboration: academic knowledge exchange, joint research platforms in frontier technologies, and inclusive innovation for climate resilience and healthcare access. Pakistan’s recent initiatives, including the National AI Policy and Special Technology Zones, were presented as key foundations for this vision.
Announcing concrete initiatives, Iqbal said Pakistan will launch an annual ASEAN-Pakistan Technology Cooperation Forum and a Startup Bridge to connect regional entrepreneurs. NUST’s Umar Khan also credited Iqbal for his role in launching national research centres in AI and cybersecurity during 2017–18, which he said have since become vibrant innovation ecosystems.
“The future must be built through cooperation, innovation, and shared vision,” Iqbal concluded, calling on regional partners to work together for a “smarter, greener, and more inclusive” tomorrow.
