Science and technology are the primary forces accelerating a society’s progress. Science and technology immediately affect people’s living conditions and their ability to connect and communicate with one another. Technological advancements are rooted in the economy, healthcare system, and infrastructure development. The rise of science and technology in developing nations plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty, and technical progress can be viewed as a growth driver. Technology is a superior tool for combating poverty and fostering economic prosperity in a developing nation. The modernization of any society is evidenced by the nation’s application of science and technology. Modernization depends entirely on the progress of science and technology. The categorization of countries is based on their economic development, which in turn is determined by the public’s application and relevance of science and technology. The process of urbanization transforms villages into towns and towns into cities.
In nearly every aspect of Pakistan’s existence, such as health, agriculture, communication, transportation, and defence, the astounding advancements in numerous disciplines of science and technology have had a significant impact. These developments have been fueled by an ever-increasing number of fascinating discoveries, mostly emanating from research labs in the West and their transformation into new products or processes that have inundated global marketplaces. In turn, these floods bestow enormous economic benefits on governments with the desire and foresight to make science and technology the foundation of their development programs.
Pakistan’s current state of science and technology
Pakistan is a country in the southern region of Asia. The area straddling the present-day borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan is one of the most conflict-ridden in the world. Pakistan’s current condition of science and technology could be better. In recent years, there has been little investment in research and development, and no significant scientific advances have been made.
The primary education system in Pakistan is likewise in trouble, with more than 22 million children out of school. This means that a significant portion of the population is illiterate, which hinders the nation’s capacity to develop its human resources.
The few Pakistani scientists and engineers who are employed frequently do so abroad, where research and development prospects are superior. This brain drain significantly erodes Pakistan’s already fragile scientific and technology industry. Nonetheless, there are efforts underway to improve the circumstance. In addition to revamping the school system, the government has established several science parks and innovation centres nationwide. Only time will tell if these efforts successfully reverse Pakistan’s scientific and technological fortunes.
Pakistan to be the next global tech hub:
Pakistan is the third largest exporter of IT-enabled services, accounting for over forty per cent of software development. Pakistan is constantly developing high-tech sectors and growing its cyber security, system integration, data centre, and IT outsourcing, i.e., AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, Big Data Analytics, and Cloud Engineering. Pakistan is home to over 144 universities, including top-ranked world universities such as NUST, which offer IT and Engineering degree programs that have produced over 300,000 IT professionals with expertise in Al/ML, Data Scientists, Full Stack etc. In addition, they have made hard-core engineers in fields such as Electrical, CAD, Structural, Solar, Wind, Civil, Geotechnical, etc.
“One way Pakistan can avoid great-power competition is by becoming a hub of technology-based cooperation for leading tech corporations, including those in the United States and China.”
Pakistani universities are committed to producing world-class talent and continue to do so with unparalleled abilities and agility. As the sky is the limit, professional Pakistani talent is all you need to expand into a massive enterprise with technology knowledge such as AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, Big Data Analytics, the Cloud, etc.
Science and technology’s contribution to Digital Pakistan:
Science and technology play a crucial part in building a digital Pakistan. Science and technology are the two most essential things that must be developed to realize a digital society.
With the advancement of science and technology, Pakistan needs to catch up. Recent measures, however, indicate a change in this scenario. For example, the government has established the National Center for Cybersecurity, which is currently working on a National Cyber Security Strategy. These initiatives will unquestionably go a long way toward increasing the use of technology in Pakistan. However, it is essential to highlight that these are merely baby steps, and there is still a long way to go. Digital Pakistan will necessitate concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, academics, industry, and the general public.
Following the 2030 vision, innovation and technology pave the road for a digital Pakistan. The government seeks to enhance its residents’ quality of life and economic well-being by assuring the availability of accessible, cheap, dependable, universal, and high-quality ICT services. Pakistan is progressively developing as a nation through emerging digital technologies and innovative applications for cross-sector socioeconomic development, the transformation of economic activities, governance models, social interaction, and the accomplishment of sustainable development goals.
Science and technology’s difficulties and prospects in Pakistan:
The 21st century is a scientific and technological age. Rapid developments in these disciplines have significantly altered how we live, work, and communicate. In addition, the globe is now more interconnected than ever due to the proliferation of the internet and mobile devices. This has opened up new options for individuals and corporations alike.
To fully realize the potential of science and technology, however, numerous obstacles must be overcome. These difficulties are amplified in Pakistan, where internet penetration is still low and infrastructure development lags.
Despite this, Pakistan’s science and technology sector has vast untapped potential. The country has a vast pool of talented scientists and engineers and an increasing number of businesses creating new solutions to local issues.
Conclusion:
Science and technology have grown increasingly indispensable to contemporary life. Pakistan is making progress in joining the global competition by focusing on innovation in science and technology as the globe shifts to digitalization. Digitalizing various parts of society will expand opportunities for all, producing jobs, enhancing access to services, fostering economic expansion, and bolstering social development. Pakistan is well on its way to adopting an advanced digital future that might transform it into a prosperous nation due to its concentrated efforts to invest in research and development initiatives that prioritize education and innovative ideas from young talents.
