ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s technology ambitions entered a new phase on Wednesday as Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal launched Quantum Valley Pakistan, expressing confidence that the initiative would create new opportunities for the country’s youth, startups and high-tech businesses.
Addressing the launching ceremony of Quantum Valley Pakistan, titled “Shaping Pakistan’s Innovation & Technology Future,” the minister said the initiative marked the beginning of a new direction for Pakistan and would connect Pakistani youth with global centres of innovation and technology.
He said the government had set a target of transforming Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
“Today is not merely the inauguration of a project; it marks the beginning of a new direction for Pakistan’s future,” he said, describing the launch as a proud moment for the country.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal attends the launch ceremony of Quantum Valley Pakistan as chief guest. The initiative aims to develop high-technology parks, promote high-tech industries and create more employment opportunities for Pakistan’s youth.@betterpakistan@PlanComPakistan… pic.twitter.com/JUEs4iLYqK
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) September 16, 2026
The ceremony was attended by Tim Rowe, CEO of Cambridge Innovation Centre (CIC); Dougan Sherwood, Partner at CIC; and Seena Amidi, Managing Partner at Plug and Play.
Ahsan Iqbal said the centre of power in the 21st century was no longer physical strength but intellectual and creative capability, adding that countries with the best ideas and the ability to transform those ideas into products would advance in the global economy.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal says Pakistan has entered a new era of techno-innovation, with the government reviving national technology centres and launching initiatives in quantum computing, advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship to help young innovators take their… pic.twitter.com/nZbFwyWESG
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) September 16, 2026
He said nearly 60 percent of Pakistan’s population comprised young people, describing the country’s youth as second to none in talent and potential.
“We have to bring together the capabilities of our youth and move forward with the spirit of Team Pakistan,” he said.
The minister said Quantum Valley Pakistan would provide a platform to connect Pakistani youth with global technology and innovation hubs and bring different stakeholders together within a modern technology ecosystem.
He added that the initiative would create new opportunities for startups and promote high-tech businesses in Pakistan.
Agreements signed to strengthen innovation ecosystem
During the ceremony, two agreements were signed to strengthen technological collaboration and support the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The first agreement was signed between Cambridge Innovation Center and Quantum Valley Pakistan, while the second was signed between Plug and Play and Quantum Valley Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal termed the agreements an important step towards equipping Pakistani youth with modern technologies and creating pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship and high-tech business development.
The minister said Pakistan’s defence and diplomatic successes needed to be supported by a strong and sustainable economy.
He said the government had set a target of transforming Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
“Achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2035 is certainly difficult, but it is not impossible,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s achievement of becoming a nuclear power despite enormous challenges demonstrated that the country could also pursue ambitious economic targets through determination, innovation and collective national effort.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need to learn from past mistakes and move the country towards economic sovereignty.
“Pakistan needs a strong economic future for its young generation, not turmoil on its streets,” he said.
He said the world was advancing at unprecedented speed and Pakistan could not afford to lose time in accelerating its journey towards modern technologies.
The minister underlined the importance of increasing exports to achieve complete economic sovereignty, saying Pakistan needed to build its technological and productive capacity.
Quantum Valley Pakistan is opening new doors to the global innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships with Plug and Play, Silicon Valley, and CIC Catalyst, MIT, USA.
Pakistan’s talent. Global networks. A new innovation frontier. pic.twitter.com/awdJWwqv4V
— Pak Asia Youth Forum (@payf_official) September 16, 2026
Recalling the establishment of National Centres in 2017 in emerging fields, Ahsan Iqbal said the centres covered areas including Big Data and Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Automation and Robotics, GIS and Space Technology, Applied Mathematics, Livestock and Genomics.
Through these centres, universities were connected to develop a national technology network, he said.
He added that under URAAN Pakistan, the country’s technology journey was further accelerated in 2024, with the emerging technology ecosystem expected to contribute towards the government’s target of increasing Pakistan’s exports to $100 billion by 2035.
Read Also: Pakistan Needs $100bn Exports to Become $1 Trillion Economy: Ahsan Iqbal
The minister said Pakistan’s population of around 260 million represented enormous economic potential and the country needed to develop the capacity to generate at least $400 billion annually in foreign exchange.
“Pakistan’s youth can earn millions of dollars in foreign exchange for the country through knowledge and technology,” he said.
He said the government wanted to transform young people from merely job seekers into architects of knowledge, innovation and development.
Pakis is opening new doors to global innovation with Plug and Play Silicon Valley and CIC Catalyst, MIT USA.
People will connect, ideas will accelerate, and innovation will turn into impact.
The unveiling begins tomorrow. The future starts here.#QuantumValleyPakistan #URAANPak pic.twitter.com/X0Sz4HN7Fc— Nyla Afzal (@FjwuNailaafzal) September 15, 2026
Describing Pakistani youth as the “Shaheens of Iqbal,” the minister called upon them to harness their capabilities for the country’s progress and prosperity.
Ahsan Iqbal said Quantum Valley Pakistan would help Pakistan secure a stronger position in the global technology and innovation landscape.
“Our objective is to enable Pakistan to achieve a leading position in technology and innovation globally,” he said.
Read Also: Data-Driven Economy Key to Pakistan’s Future: Ahsan Iqbal
Welcoming the agreement between Cambridge Innovation Center and Quantum Valley Pakistan, he said such partnerships would help equip young people with modern technology and create an environment conducive to startups and high-tech businesses.
The minister said the launch of Quantum Valley Pakistan was not only the beginning of a new institutional initiative but also the start of a broader journey towards a technology-driven, innovative and economically empowered Pakistan.
