An innovative Future of Pakistan
“The great growling engine of change — technology.” (Alvin Toffler)
Rapid socioeconomic development can currently only be achieved if national innovation policies focus on the creation and export of high-tech items. For Pakistan to advance, we must shift gears swiftly and focus on our true wealth: our children. Information technology, next-generation genetics, novel materials, energy, regenerative medicine, minerals, and enhanced agriculture should be priority areas for us.
“Predicting the future is not magic, its artificial intelligence.” (Dave Waters)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already having a rapid influence in a variety of sectors in the information technology sphere. It is being used in medical diagnosis, financial forecasting, self-driving automobiles, and other areas, as well as to replace humans in monotonous work. Within five years, the market for AI is expected to be worth over $16 trillion. Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G/6G networks are some of the other technologies in this industry.
6G networks are planned to be substantially faster than 4G or 5G networks and to support applications such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), instant communications, pervasive artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
5G and 6G technology will power the next generation of mobile networks. They offer significantly higher internet speeds with lower latency. This will have a significant impact on a variety of businesses, including telecommunications, gaming, virtual reality, and remote surgery. 6G networks are predicted to be considerably more diverse than their predecessors, with applications such as virtual and augmented reality, instant communications, pervasive artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things likely to be supported.
Regenerative medicine is another field. Anti-aging chemicals that can slow the aging process have been produced, and this is a hot field of current research. Stem cell therapies are being developed to treat illnesses of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and eyes. The Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, housed within Pakistan’s foremost research institute, the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, has built an exceptional stem cell research facility.
Genomic science is another rapidly evolving field. It is being utilized in medicine to produce precision medicine that takes the individual’s genetic makeup into account. This has led to the creation of targeted medicines for diseases like as cancer. Individual mutations in cancer patients can thus be identified, and medications can then be utilized to target those patient-specific mutations. With the introduction of genome editing technologies, disease-causing genes may be edited out, and such procedures hold the prospect of curing hereditary illnesses.
The government must also contribute to the development of an environment that fosters innovation, encourages healthy competition, lowers barriers to entry for new businesses, and takes into account factors related to ease of doing business, such as effective and efficient dispute resolution laws, patent protection laws, and the elimination of time-consuming bureaucratic procedures for imports, exports, and funds transfers. Tax breaks and grants for R&D can also help to spur innovation.
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” (Steve Jobs)
Pakistan’s future lies in enormous investment in such developing innovative fields. We must prioritize education, research, technology, innovation, and commercialization at the national level in order to increase our exports from $30 billion to $100 billion over the next decade. To better comprehend the problems and transition to a technology-driven knowledge economy, we need a visionary, honest, and technologically savvy administration.