Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal Inaugurates Astrolabe Data Center, Unveils Vision for AI-Driven Future
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal Inaugurates Astrolabe Data Center, Unveils Vision for AI-Driven Future
The Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Astrolabe Data Center at NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi on Thursday. This landmark initiative, part of the government’s E-Pakistan initiative under the Uraan Pakistan program, represents a substantial step toward modernizing Pakistan’s technological infrastructure and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
The Astrolabe Data Center is designed to revolutionize Pakistan’s technological landscape by supporting big data analytics, offering Maktab ERP solutions, and providing high-performance computing services, including Al-Sadeem and Al-Meidsa, at subsidized rates for students, researchers, and industry professionals.
Minister Iqbal emphasized that such infrastructure is critical for equipping the next generation with the tools to drive innovation and research, ultimately transforming Pakistan into a competitive player in the global digital economy. While inspecting the newly constructed facility, Minister Iqbal stressed the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the infrastructure.
In his keynote address, Minister Iqbal outlined his vision for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into every sector, emphasizing, “We must explore how to maximize AI in education, research, and innovation. We need to organize private sector investments to align knowledge with industry, which is our ultimate goal. These are the opportunities we must pursue, and this roadmap is central to Uraan Pakistan.”
Planning Minister provided a candid analysis of Pakistan’s history of missed opportunities. He recounted how Pakistan once served as a guiding light for nations such as South Korea and Malaysia. He reminded the audience of Pakistan’s contributions to South Korea’s post-war recovery, including sharing knowledge on five-year development plans, and its role in educating Malaysia’s students who could not afford Western education. He also highlighted Pakistan’s assistance in establishing Emirates Airlines, which has since become a global aviation leader. However, he lamented that while these nations have gone on to become role models, Pakistan has struggled to sustain its growth due to internal instability, shortsighted governance, and societal divisions.
Minister Iqbal outlined four key pillars essential for sustainable development: peace, political stability, policy continuity, and social solidarity. He urged the nation to internalize these principles, comparing them to the mathematical certainty of two plus two equaling four. Without these foundational elements, he warned, no amount of resources, talent, or potential could lead to meaningful progress.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from successful nations like China, he emphasized the importance of creating a developmental ecosystem based on stability, unity, and long-term planning. He pointed out that China’s remarkable economic transformation over the past 50 years was driven by its unwavering commitment to political stability and social cohesion, qualities that Pakistan must emulate to achieve its aspirations.
Concluding with a call for introspection, Iqbal expressed hope that initiatives like the Astrolabe Data Center would inspire nationwide innovation, empower youth, and position Pakistan as a digital economy leader. “The true test of success is institutionalizing progress beyond individuals. Let this legacy endure,” he declared, commending stakeholders for their role in realizing this transformative project.
The event was attended by NED University Vice Chancellor, Toronto Metropolitan University representatives, Canada Business Council President, Sindh-based university leaders, faculty, and industry professionals, all lauded by Prof Iqbal for their contributions to this milestone.
