Ahsan Iqbal Stresses Chip Design and Human Capital for Pakistan's Future Exports
Published September 18, 2026 | 06:50 PM
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Sep, 2026)
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, on Friday emphasized the need for Pakistan to develop human resources and design capabilities in chip designing and other advanced technologies to build a modern, export-oriented economy.
Addressing an event organized by Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), the minister noted that semiconductor chips are integral to various modern devices, from mobile phones and laptops to vehicles, machinery, and small equipment.
"This is the capability on which the modern economy is built," he said, stressing that while Pakistan has lagged behind in this sector, investing in human resources and design skills can still enable it to establish its own ecosystem.
The minister highlighted the importance of skilled human capital in designing and developing advanced technologies as the first building block for creating any new technological ecosystem. He welcomed the participation of around 160 trainees, including approximately 46 women, in the program, describing their involvement as encouraging.
Ahsan Iqbal expressed hope that some trainees would set up small chip-design laboratories, while others might secure employment with international companies or even establish billion-dollar technology firms. He noted that the modern value chain extends beyond acquiring knowledge to transforming it into technology, products, and commercially viable businesses.
Noting a shift towards intellectual property, knowledge, and knowledge-based products driving the future economy, the minister said trainees should emerge as technology entrepreneurs capable of converting their skills into intellectual property, successful products, and businesses contributing to Pakistan's economic development.
Recalling his past association with GIKI, the minister recounted how an ambitious institutional concept had materialized into a significant engineering institution contributing highly trained human resources to the nation. He emphasized the importance of national self-confidence and highlighted Pakistan's reputation as a rising star during the 1960s and 1970s before it gradually fell behind other nations.