Pakistan Fully Capable of Becoming AI Development Hub in South Asia
Pakistan, in collaboration with China, has the potential to emerge as a leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) development hub in South Asia and beyond, according to Dr Wu Jun, the Director of CPInS Lab. The lab, established at Pakistan National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in early 2022 through joint efforts of NUST and Guangzhou Institute of Software Application Technology, is currently engaged in various research projects.
Dr Wu stated in an interview that the lab has made significant progress in areas such as UAV control systems and AI recognition localization. The application of smart city technologies in Pakistan is one of the lab’s focal points. Dr Wu emphasized the importance of connecting the lab’s research outcomes with local projects in Pakistan to provide tailor-made smart city products and solutions.
Seemab Latif, Head of the Pakistani side of the lab and Associate Professor at NUST’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, highlighted the significance of scientific and technological cooperation for Pakistan’s socio-economic development. Latif expressed that China’s AI industry leads globally, and by deepening bilateral cooperation, Pakistan has the potential to become a prominent AI development center in South Asia.
The CPInS Lab is utilizing Chinese technology to develop smart city projects, including efficient traffic management systems and infrastructure monitoring systems, in Pakistan. The lab has already piloted license plate recognition and intelligent security systems, which contribute to safety and convenience for Pakistani residents.
Dr Wu mentioned a pioneering achievement resulting from the collaboration between Chinese and Pakistani scientists. They developed a UAV-assisted edge framework for real-time disaster management, which provides a more scientific and effective approach to combat local floods, a recurring challenge in Pakistan.
Besides technology transfer, talent exchange and training are crucial aspects of the lab’s mission. The lab has recruited four talented postdoctoral fellows from Pakistan to work in Guangzhou for an extended period, and plans to continue recruiting students in the future.
Sahar Ershad, a researcher at the lab, declared that they are working on exciting projects with Chinese counterparts, including activity detection, gait recognition, automatic license plate detection, real-time recognition, and waste management. Ershad highlighted the great potential of the CPInS Lab in contributing to Pakistan’s developing infrastructure.
While Pakistan’s AI industry is still in its infancy, the country boasts abundant scientific and technological talent, according to Ershad.
By capitalizing on the partnership with China, Pakistan aims to accelerate its progress in the field of AI and position itself as a regional hub for AI development. The ongoing collaboration between the CPInS Lab and Chinese counterparts is expected to pave the way for cutting-edge advancements in various sectors and improve the country’s urban governance capabilities.
Pakistan’s journey towards becoming an AI development hub in South Asia is propelled by its commitment to technological innovation and the close cooperation with China, a world leader in AI.
At present, the lab’s pioneering research and initiatives in the smart city domain are bringing Pakistan closer to achieving its goal of a technologically advanced and prosperous future.
