PFC CEO Calls For Shift From AI Adoption To Indigenous Innovation
Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq has said Pakistan needs a decisive shift towards algorithmic originality and fundamental research to emerge as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), warning that the country could otherwise remain a fast follower in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
In a statement on Sunday, he stated that the rapid advancement of AI had transformed the global business landscape, making innovation, research, and indigenous technological capabilities essential for maintaining competitiveness. Pakistani companies, he added, should move beyond merely adopting foreign AI tools and focus on developing original algorithms, applications, and solutions tailored to local and international market needs.
Mian Kashif Ashfaq emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, technology companies, and the corporate sector to build an ecosystem conducive to AI innovation. He called for increased investment in research and development, specialized training, and entrepreneurship to equip young professionals with advanced digital skills.
He noted that Pakistan possesses a large pool of talented youth capable of making a significant contribution to the global AI economy if provided with appropriate opportunities, infrastructure, and institutional support. Urging policymakers and businesses to prioritize long-term investment in fundamental research, he stated that indigenous innovation would not only enhance corporate productivity but also help expand technology exports and establish Pakistan as a competitive player in the international AI market.
