Pakistan’s development strategy remained anchored in traditional industries, often disconnected from the technological revolution transforming the global economy. Artificial Intelligence, electric vehicles, digital content creation, and data-driven entrepreneurship are no longer futuristic concepts; they are today’s engines of growth. By establishing not just an AI Center but also an Electric Vehicle (EV) facility and a Podcast Center, PITAC is positioning itself as a gateway to the modern skills ecosystem.
Pakistan took a meaningful step into the future this week as Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Industries, inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center at Pakistan Industrial and Technical Assistance Centre (PITAC). The launch, held under the vision of Shehbaz Sharif, reflects a growing national realization: Pakistan’s economic revival and global relevance depend not on old industrial formulas, but on digital intelligence, innovation, and youth-driven enterprise.
Haroon Akhtar Khan’s message at the inauguration was both timely and urgent: “The world is progressing at a very rapid pace, and we must prepare our coming generations accordingly.” This is not rhetorical flourish. Across Asia, countries such as China, India, and Vietnam are aggressively investing in AI education, automation, and digital startups. Pakistan, with one of the youngest populations in the world, cannot afford to lag behind. If this youth bulge is trained in emerging technologies, it becomes a demographic dividend; if neglected, it risks turning into a socioeconomic burden.
The real promise of PITAC’s new facilities lies in their potential to democratize access to advanced skills. AI, for example, is no longer confined to Silicon Valley laboratories; it is transforming agriculture through smart irrigation, healthcare through diagnostics, logistics through predictive modeling, and even governance through data analytics. For Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises, AI offers a chance to leapfrog inefficiencies and compete in global markets. However, such transformation requires more than buildings and equipment; it requires skilled trainers, industry linkages, and a culture of continuous learning.
The announcement that qualified trainers from abroad will be invited is particularly encouraging. One of Pakistan’s chronic challenges in technical education is the gap between what is taught and what the market needs. Exposure to international expertise can help PITAC align its curriculum with global standards, ensuring that Pakistani youth are not merely certified, but employable and competitive.
Equally important is the emphasis on startups and innovation. Haroon Akhtar Khan rightly noted that “innovation is always driven by youth.” In a country where job creation has struggled to keep pace with population growth, entrepreneurship powered by technology offers a powerful alternative. AI-based startups, EV manufacturing and servicing, and digital media platforms can generate new industries rather than just new jobs.
Yet, optimism must be matched with accountability. The success of the AI Center and allied facilities will depend on sustained funding, transparent management, and integration with universities and the private sector. Policymakers must ensure that PITAC does not become another underutilized institution, but a vibrant hub of skills, ideas, and enterprise.
The inauguration at PITAC is more than a ceremonial event; it is a statement of intent. If nurtured properly, this initiative can mark the beginning of Pakistan’s transition from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven one. The future, as this moment suggests, belongs to those who can code, innovate, and imagine and Pakistan’s youth are ready, if given the tools.