ISLAMABAD – In a landmark move to strengthen bilateral cooperation in cutting-edge science and technology, Pakistan and China have agreed to establish the country’s first-ever National Center for Quantum Computing under a new technology partnership signed in Islamabad on Thursday.
The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) a leading Chinese state-owned tech enterprise known for its expertise in advanced electronics and quantum research. The agreement marks a new phase of structured collaboration between CETC and Pakistan’s Emerging Technologies Lab, a Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)-funded initiative under the Planning Ministry.
At the signing ceremony, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal described the partnership as a “transformative milestone” in Pakistan’s scientific journey, saying it would help the country take a decisive leap toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Quantum technology represents the future and through this collaboration with China, Pakistan is taking a bold step into that future,” Iqbal said. “This cooperation will open new doors for joint research, talent development, and high-tech innovation that will shape our economic and scientific progress.”
The minister emphasized that the creation of the National Center for Quantum Computing would serve as the foundation for long-term knowledge exchange and research-driven growth. He also unveiled the government’s vision under the ‘Uraan Pakistan (Flight Pakistan)’ initiative, which aims to integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing into the country’s broader development framework.
“Investing in frontier technologies isn’t optional anymore it’s essential if Pakistan wants to stand among advanced economies,” Iqbal remarked.
He further revealed plans for a ‘Quantum Valley Project’, envisioned as Pakistan’s own version of Silicon Valley a hub dedicated to technology startups, advanced research, and innovation-led industries.
The minister praised China’s remarkable progress in digital transformation and said the partnership with CETC reflected the technological evolution of CPEC Phase-II, which focuses on industrial modernization, digitalization, and human resource development.
Officials from both countries reiterated their commitment to expanding scientific cooperation, strengthening academic linkages, and fostering innovation-led growth in line with Pakistan Vision 2025 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“This partnership isn’t just about technology it’s about preparing Pakistan for a smarter, more connected, and knowledge-based future,” Iqbal concluded.
