‘Technology can solve hurdles’
Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq has stressed that Pakistan urgently needs to adopt technology to address its multifaceted challenges and pave the way for sustainable growth and development.
Talking to an investors’ delegation of overseas Pakistanis on Tuesday, led by Investment Counsellor in Milan Sheheryar Khan, Ashfaq said that Pakistan was encountering significant hurdles in education, healthcare, agriculture and governance.
“Leveraging technology can transform these sectors and enhance efficiency, accessibility and the quality of service,” he said.
Ashfaq emphasised that integration of renewable energy technologies could address Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. In this regard, investment in solar, wind and hydroelectric power can ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply. He underlined the urgent need for technology adoption across various sectors to offer solutions to the pressing issues and tap opportunities for development.
“By embracing technological advancements, Pakistan can drive economic growth, improve the quality of life for its citizens and secure a sustainable future,” he elaborated.
Governance and public service delivery can also be significantly improved through technology. E-governance initiatives will increase transparency, reduce corruption and streamline administrative processes. Also, digital platforms for citizen engagement will foster a more inclusive and participatory governance model.
The PFC CEO particularly mentioned agriculture, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, which would benefit immensely from technology.
In this massive sector, with which a large proportion of Pakistan’s workforce is associated, precision farming techniques, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and data analytics can enhance crop yields, optimise the use of resources and predict potential pest infestations.
Ashfaq cited education as another critical area where technology could bridge the gap between urban and rural areas. “E-learning platforms and digital classrooms can provide quality education to remote regions, reducing disparities.”
By incorporating digital tools into curriculum, he added, Pakistan could improve literacy rates and equip its youth with skills relevant to the modern job market. In addition, digital health records will streamline patient management and improve the quality of healthcare.